Erin Energy To Acquire Additional Seismic in Kenya’s Blocks L1B & L16

Block L1B and L16 operator Erin Energy has said it plans to design and acquire additional seismic data in 2017 on the two blocks located in the coastal Lamu basin.

“Based on the interpretation of this 2-D data, the Company plans to design and acquire additional seismic data in 2017 on blocks L1B and L16,” Erin said in its latest announcement.

Erin energy in early 2015 through BGP International the company acquired approximately 700 line kilometers on L-1B and 325 line kilometers on L-16 in order to identify potential exploration targets in the Paleozoic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Middle to Lower Tertiary sections. Erin Energy is currently interpreting 2-D seismic data on its onshore blocks, L1B and L16.

Following the completion on the acquisition Erin Energy described the preliminary results from data processing in the field as encouraging adding that data acquired would enable the explorer understand the resource potential  as well as help identify potential drilling targets on the blocks.

The last seismic acquisition did not come without challenges with environmentalist opposing the activity citing environmental degradation in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest the largest stretch of coastal dry forest remaining in Eastern Africa and second in Africa in birdlife conservation from Congo.

A compromise was reached that allowed the company to only draw lines on the edge of the forest and not through as had been earlier planned.

The Company adds it is actively marketing both its onshore and offshore Kenya blocks to potential farm-out partners as part of its growth strategy.

Erin Energy is currently in its First Additional Exploration Period (FAEP) on its onshore blocks, L1B and L16 after completion of the required work program for the Initial Exploration Period of the blocks. The FAEP of blocks L1B and L16 is effective as of July 9, 2015 for two years. The minimum work program for each block includes the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of 300 square kilometers of 3D seismic data; and the drilling of one exploration well.