Woodside has injected fresh impetus offshore Ireland after farming into deepwater blocks in the Porcupine Basin, with the Australian explorer taking an 85% stake in one set of seven blocks and a 90% stake in six others.

In one deal Petrel Resources accepted Woodside’s offer to acquire the 85% interest in Licensing Option 11/6 (comprising blocks 45/6, 45/11, 45/16 and 44/15) and Licensing Option 11/4 (blocks 35/23, 35/24 and 35/25).

Bluestack Energy Ltd., meanwhile, also accepted the Australian’s offer to acquire a 90% participating interest in Licensing Option 11/3 (comprising blocks 35/25(e), 35/30, 36/21, 36/26, 44/5(p) and 45/1).