Gabon: Ophir brings in OMV ahead of drilling

Following a $1.29bn farmout deal in Tanzania in November, Ophir has farmed down stakes in four deep-water blocks offshore Gabon to Austria’s OMV ahead of a drilling programme due to start in February. OMV will acquire 30% non-operated interests in the Manga and Gnondo blocks and 10% non-operated interests in the Mbeli and Ntsina blocks. Ophir will retain 70% in Manga and Gnondo and 40% in Mbeli and Ntsina. OMV will pay past costs and a share of the well costs on the Padouck Deep, Affanga Deep and Okala wells, in addition to the cost of two additional wells and of planned 3D seismic surveys across the blocks.