ONGC Videsh through its wholly owned subsidiary has signed definitive binding agreements with FAR Senegal RSSD SA (Seller), a wholly owned subsidiary of FAR on –10 November 2020 for acquiring 13.6667% participating interest in Exploitation Area (Sangomar Field) and 15% participating interest in Remaining Contract Area (Exploration Area) of Rufisque, Sangomar Offshore and Sangomar Deep Offshore (RSSD)
Block, Offshore Senegal.
Woodside Energy (Senegal) BV (Woodside), Capricorn Senegal Limited (Cairns) and Le Société des Pétroles du Sénégal (Petrosen – the national oil company of Senegal) are other partners in the RSSD Block.
The Sangomar Field, currently under development, is located in the deep waters
of Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry Basin (MSGBC Basin),
Offshore Senegal, covering an area of 772 sq. kms. and is planned to go on production in
2023 under Phase-1 development.
The acquisition involves (i) an upfront consideration of USD 45 million with customary
adjustments including the opening working capital as of 1st January 2020 and the cash calls
paid or to be paid from January 2020 onwards until completion (excluding any default interest
paid / payable by FAR for any delay in cash call payments). This shall be payable upon
completion; and (ii) Contingent payments payable annually (capped at USD 55 million)
depending upon the Brent Oil price from First Oil until the earlier of 3 years from First Oil or 31 December 2027. Total investment involved including the development cost until the first
oil is expected to be around USD 600 Million.
Woodside is the operator of the Block and has recently exercised its pre-emption rights to
acquire the participating interest held by Cairns in the RSSD Block. Post completion of
acquisition of Cairns stake by Woodside, Woodside shall hold 68.3333% participating interest
in Sangomar Field and 75% participating interest in Exploration Area while Petrosen shall hold
18% participating interest in Sangomar Field and 10% participating Interest in Exploration
Area of the RSSD Block.
The completion of the present transaction would mark ONGC Videsh entry in Senegalese
offshore in a significant project under development and is consistent with its strategic objective
of adding high impact exploration and near-term production assets to its existing E&P portfolio.