A total of 13 blocks have finally been awarded to 11 companies in Gabon’s latest deepwater licensing round after a number of delays, although details still remain sparse.

According to the country’s Oil Minister, Etienne Ngoubou, the government is aiming for “500,000 b/d of production once these blocks are operational,” according to Reuters. Independent Ophir Energy was the apparent biggest winner in the round, being awarded four blocks as operator, while majors such as ExxonMobil, Eni, Repsol and Marathon all won other blocks. Other reported winners included Noble Energy, Petronas, Perenco, Cobalt, Elenilto and Impact. Companies applied for licences for 18 blocks out of a total of 43 that were being offered.

The minister did not give any details on the legal terms of the new contracts, adding that “negotiations will continue shortly with the selected companies”.

Somewhat surprisingly, existing Gabon producers Shell and Total also bid in the round but did not clinch any blocks, while Canadian Natural Resources and Swiss commodities giant Glencore also suffered the same fate.

Interest in the round was sparked by recent finds including Total’s pre-salt play opener on the ultra-deepwater Diaman prospect, which hit 50-55 m (160-180 net feet) of gas condensate (see DI, 2 September 2013, page 5).