ANP-STP The National Petroleum Agency of Sao Tome and Principe

Old News

October 23rd 2006
Oslo EITI Conference

Sao Tome e Principe has participated in the Third Plenary Conference of the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) in Oslo, Norway on 16 th and 17 th October 2006.
The country delegation was composed by Mr. Luis dos Prazeres, Executive Director of National Petroleum Agency, Mr. Arlindo Carvalho, President of Petroleum Commission of National Assembly and Mr. Ambrosio Quaresma, President of Journalists Union of Sao Tome e Principe.

October 15th 2006
Cooperation between Sao Tome and Principe and Norway in the petroleum sector

In light of cooperation between two countries, a team of National Petroleum Agency comprising some directors and technical staff, paid a week working/training visit to Norway, where they met some institutions, namely Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, State Pollution Control and Norwegian Oil for Development Initiative (Norad).
Further to that, the National Petroleum Agency of Sao Tome and Principe and Norwegian Petroleum Directorate are preparing a program of assistance for the period of 2007/2011, totally financed by the Government of Norway.

August 14th, 2006
Nigeria takes over the Chairmanship of Joint Development Authority (JDA)

In line with the provisions of the Treaty that establishes the Joint Development Zone and the Joint Development Authority, Nigeria assumes for the second time the Chairmanship of JDA from 11 th August 2006. The first time was from February 2002 to June 2004 led by Tajudeen Umar while Sao Tome and Principe was in charge from June 2004 to August 2006 led by Carlos Gomes.
The JDA, subject to directions from the JMC (Joint Ministerial Council), is responsible for the management of activities relating to exploration for and exploitation of the resources in the Zone in accordance with the Treaty.
A Board consisting of four Executive Directors governs the Authority. Two are from Nigeria and two from Sao Tome and Principe and they are appointed by respective Heads of State.
One of the Executive Directors is appointed to act as Chairman of the Board.
Latest news informs that Nigeria has appointed two new Executive Directors for the Board.

June 6th,2006
São Tomé and Príncipe – 2D seismic

An extensive 2D grid of high quality seismic data has been acquired in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Sao Tome and Principe by the PGS-Exploration on.
The seismic was acquired in three phases. In 2001 3500 km were acquired, with a further 1500 km in 2002. These data were evaluated and interpreted and a subsequent infill 2D programme was acquired in 2005 comprising 5600 km. In addition 270 km were acquired in Gabon providing important well ties.
All the seismic data has been interpreted and a variety of plays and leads have been identified throughout the region.
All 10,870 km of data are now available to oil companies for licensing through PGS.

To see update seismic map, click EEZ

June 5th 2006
International Bidding

International Bidding for Recruitment of Firms to conduct the review and update of Legal Framework for Sao Tome and Principe EEZ, re-evaluate the potential of the EEZ and develop and an Economic Model for EEZ and elaborate a policy proposal and a corresponding implementation strategy to promote Local Content.

- Legal Framework

- Evaluation the Potencial and Economic Model

- Local Content

May 26, 2006
Chevron Encounters Hydrocarbons in Block 1

The Nigeria – Sao Tome & Principe Joint Development Authority, Chevron and its co-venturers Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria-Sao Tome (One) Limited, and Dangote Energy Equity Resources, have encountered hydrocarbons in the Obo-1 exploration well in Block 1 of Nigeria – Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Zone.
The Obo-1 well logged a cumulative total of at least 150 feet ( 45 meters) of net hydrocarbon pay in multiple reservoirs and provided important reservoir rock and liquid samples, which need to be evaluated and integrated into the interpretation of the Obo Area to determine the next step of the appraisal process. At this stage, it is premature to determine whether or not Chevron and its co-venturers have made a commercial discovery.
The Obo-1 well is located in 1,720 meters of water ( 5,640 feet) and the drilling operation was completed in 63 days on March 15 th 2006.
The JDZ Block-1 is located approximately 190 miles ( 300 kilometers) north of city of Sao Tome and approximately 125 miles ( 200 kilometers) south of city of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. Chevron JDZ Limited has a 51 percent equity share in the block while Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria-Sao Tome (One) Limited, and Dangote Energy Equity Resources have the remaining 40 and 9 percent equity, respectively.

April 25th 2006
Appointment of new Minister in charge of petroleum sector

With the composition of new Cabinet after the Parliamentary Elections of 26 th and 2 nd April 2006, Mr. Manuel Deus Lima was appointed as new Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

March 20th 2006
Production Sharing Contracts in JDZ Blocks 2, 3 and 4

Nigéria/SaoTome&Principe Joint Development Authority (JDA) have signed Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) in the three oil blocks in the Joint Development Zone (JDZ).
The event took place in Abuja on 14 th and 15 th March 2006.
The JDA signed a production sharing contract for block 2 with a signature bonus of 71 million US dollars.
SINOPEC, one of the largest chinese oil companies is the Operator
The JDA signed a production sharing contract for block 3 with a signature bonus of 40 million US dollars.
ANADARKO, an american independent is the Operator
The JDA also signed a production sharing contract for block 4 with a signature bonus of 90 million US dollars.
ADDAX, a swiss oil company is the Operator
Sao Tome e Principe is entitled to 40 per cent share in proportion in line with provisions of the Treaty.
Regarding Blocks 5 and 6, the ERHC has lost its rights for not complying with the JMC’s directives and timeline for the signing of Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) and PSC negotiations for the said blocks.

February 11, 2006
11 th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council

The 11 th Meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) was held in Abuja from 7 th-8 th February 2006, where among others items the Meeting considered and deliberated on the following:
-Approval of the JDA 2006 Budget
-Award of Operatorship of Block 4 to ADDAX/ERHC
-Situation report on the JDZ Block 1
The JMC was informed of notification that Pioneer was withdrawing its participation as Operator on Block 2 and as stake holder on Block 3 as well.
The JMC approved ADDAX to replace Pioneer in the Block 3 while the award of operatorship for Block 2 will be decided on next JMC meeting to be held in Sao Tome on 28 th February.

January 23rd 2006
Chevron Texaco spuds first oil well in JDZ

CHEVRON TEXACO, US oil major has spudded the first deep water well in the Joint Development Zone (JDZ). The wildcat well named Obo 1, is located 1700 metres.
According to Chevron it will cost 60 millions US dollars and will take 60 days to reach total depth.

January 16th 2006
Equator Exploration met Santomean authorities

A delegation of Equator Exploration, headed by his President Wade Cherwayko visited Sao Tome from 10 to 12 January 2006 where they held for the first time a Board of Directors’ meeting.
They had a working meeting with Executive Board of National Petroleum Agency;
While in island they met with the President of Republic and the Minister of Natural Resources.
The Company is focusing in West Africa, where it was recently awarded an interest of 15% in Block 2-JDZ, in consortium with ONGC/Videsh (Indian national oil company)
In Sao Tome and Principe EEZ, the company owns rights to explore two blocks acquired from PGS (Petroleum Geo-Services), under the option agreement entered between Government of Sao Tome and Principe and PGS in February 2001

December 16th, 2005
The Attorney General publishes Report on second JDZ licensing round

The Attorney General of Sao Tome e Principe has concluded the investigations on alleged irregularities on the second JDZ licensing round 2004.
A press statement issued by the Office of Attorney General said that the procedures used to select the companies to receive awards was seriously flawed and did not meet the international standards for a licensing round.
Further to that, according to the statement, the award of contracts had worked to the financial detriment of Sao Tome e Principe.
The Attorney General has sent a report with findings to the President of Republic, President of National Assembly and The Prime Minister and Head of Government.
Included in report are recommendations concerning future licensing round.

December 2nd 2005

November 28 th 2005

Mr. Luís dos Prazeres, Executive Director of ANP-STP is joining a delegation headed by H. E. Premier Minister Maria do Carmo Silveira, in her official visit to Angola, on November 23rd, 2005.
One of key issues to be discussed is the cooperation between two countries in oil sector.

November 26 th 2005

Further to the JMC (Joint Ministerial Council) meeting held on 16/17th November 2005 in Abuja, wherein JDA (Joint Development Authority) was directed to re-evaluate the bids submitted for Block 4.
The JDA has already done the re-evaluation and submitted the report to both Governments on 22nd November.
In line with that the JMC may take decisions on short time for appointment of new Operator for Block 4

November 23 th 2005

In order to participate in several meetings organised by S.Tomé e Principe’s Embassy in Lisbon to commemorate the 30 th anniversary of the independence two directors from ANP-STP will leave the country to Portugal Saturday, the 26 th.
The Administration and Public Relation and Technical directors namely M. Flávio Pires dos Santos and M. Osvaldo Abreu will bring theirs apports mainly in matters concerning updating of Oil and Gas process in S. Tomé e Príncipe.

December 2nd 2005

A Conference on “Chevron in SaoTome e Principe” was held in Hotel Miramar,Sao Tomé on first December , organized by ChevronTexaco to inform the overall public of the recent developments and future activities of the Company in SaoTomé e Principe.
Tim Parsons, the ChevronTexaco Country Manager and Aldino Amado ,the ChevronTexaco Planning and Comunications Supervisor were the Speakers of the event.
Mr. Luís dos Prazeres, Executive Director of ANP-STP is joining a delegation headed by H. E. Premier Minister Maria do Carmo Silveira, in her official visit to Angola, on November 23rd, 2005.
One of key issues to be discussed is the cooperation between two countries in oil sector.
Development of Oil and Gas Business between two countries was one of the key issues of the recent official visit of Prime Minister Maria do Carmo Silveira to Angola.
In line with that, SONANGOL and NATIONAL PETROLEUM AGENCY entered into a Memorandum of Understanding under which, among other things, the two entities have identified areas for development as exploration and production of hydrocarbons, training and technical assistance.
This MOU was executed by the signatures of Mr. Manuel Vicente,Chairman and CEO of Sonangol and Mr. Luis Prazeres, Executive Director of National Petroleum Agency.
Further to the JMC (Joint Ministerial Council) meeting held on 16/17th November 2005 in Abuja, wherein JDA (Joint Development Authority) was directed to re-evaluate the bids submitted for Block 4.
The JDA has already done the re-evaluation and submitted the report to both Governments on 22nd November.
In line with that the JMC may take decisions on short time for appointment of new Operator for Block 4

November 23 rd 2005

In order to participate in several meetings organised by S.Tomé e Principe’s Embassy in Lisbon to commemorate the 30 th anniversary of the independence two directors from ANP-STP will leave the country to Portugal Saturday, the 26 th.
The Administration and Public Relation and Technical directors namely M. Flávio Pires dos Santos and M. Osvaldo Abreu will bring theirs apports mainly in matters concerning updating of Oil and Gas process in S. Tomé e Príncipe.

25 a 26 of October 2005

A seminar on “Petroleum Sector Governance and Management” was organized on 25 th and 26 th October in Sao Tome by National Petroleum Agency (ANP-STP) with assistance of Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD).