Eni has cemented its relationship with Sasol by agreeing to participate in exploring a vast frontier block offshore South Africa’s eastern shoreline.

Describing the move as a boost to its acreage position offshore East Africa, Italy’s Eni said it will take a 40% stake in Exploration Right Permit 236 (ER236), which covers more than 82,000 sq km (31,652 sq miles) in the Durban and Zululand basins, within the Kwazulu-Natal province. Sasol retains 60% of the license area.

Originally the permit area was awarded to Sasol in November last year by the Petroleum Agency of South Africa for an initial 3-year term. Eni is due to become operator of the acreage as part of the agreement with Sasol, granting hydrocarbon exploration rights. The Italian major says the deal represents a strengthening of its ties with Sasol in South Africa, where the two companies are primarily focused on maximizing gas development potential.

Offshore