DOHA, June 3 (KUNA) -- The Qatar Petroleum entered into an agreement with US Supermajor, ExxonMobil, to become a 30 percent equity holder in two ExxonMobil affiliates in Argentina that hold different interests in hydrocarbon licenses for seven blocks in the world class Vaca Muerta play in the onshore Neuquأ©n basin in Argentina.
The relevant agreements were signed by Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President & CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and Mr. Andrew P. Swiger, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation, at a ceremony held in Doha in the presence of senior executives from both companies, Qatar Petroleum announced in a press statement Sunday.
Upon closing, the signed agreements will give Qatar Petroleum a 30 percent shareholding in two ExxonMobil local affiliates in Argentina, namely, ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina S.R.L. and Mobil Argentina S.A., which hold rights with other partners for seven blocks under unconventional exploration licenses with active drilling plans as well as exploitation licenses with pilot drilling and production.
Speaking at a press conference held on this occasion, Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with our long-time partner ExxonMobil, and to participate in the further development of the Vaca Muerta unconventional resource in Argentina.
"This is an important milestone, as it marks Qatar Petroleum's first investment in Argentina as well as its first significant international investment in unconventional oil and gas resources. We look forward to working with ExxonMobil to leverage our combined world class capabilities to unlock the potential of these assets for the benefit of all stakeholders." Al-Kaabi added: "This agreement is an important milestone on the road to expanding our international footprint, which is an important part of Qatar Petroleum's growth strategy. It goes hand in hand with the planned expansion of our local production from the North Field, which will further boost Qatar's leading global position by raising its LNG production from 77 million to 100 million tons per year; and with the recently announced Petrochemicals Complex project, which includes the largest ethane cracker in the Middle East, and one of the largest in the world." On his part, Mr. Andrew Swiger said: "This agreement builds on our long-standing and successful partnership with Qatar Petroleum, and underscores our commitment to develop Argentina's resources to further support domestic production of oil and natural gas." The Vaca Muerta shale in the Neuquأ©n province in western Argentina is considered among the most prospective unconventional shale oil/gas plays outside North America. Activity in the basin has picked up recently, mainly due to governmental incentives and rising domestic energy demand. A number of international operators have established presence in the basin and announced ambitious investment plans. (end) nnd.ibi