Offshore staff
DUBLIN, Ireland – Petroceltic Italia has been awarded exploration permit B.R272.EL in the central Adriatic Sea offshore eastern Italy (formerly application block d.507).
The 474-sq km (183-sq mi) concession is 15 km (9.3 mi) from the offshore Elsa discovery and the producing Rospo Mare field. It contains the Turchese prospect on the northeastern extension of the Elsa trend.
Petroceltic’s work program for the initial six-year phase includes a 3D seismic acquisition program, likely extended over the adjacent B.R270.EL permit, to high-grade prospects for possible exploration drilling.
The company says acquisition will be designed to limit impact to marine mammal populations, using qualified, independent marine mammal observers, exclusion zones, and “soft startup” procedures.
However, following local legal appeals the Lazio Administrative Court has annulled environmental clearance for the offshore Adriatic permit B.R271.EL on procedural grounds. In light of this decision, Petroceltic is reviewing options on how to proceed.
4/4/2013
