The Gambia launches request for proposals for A1 block licensing round
On the back of a successful announcement of The Gambian A1 License Round, The Gambia, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, has launched the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the A1 licensing round.
Granted initially to BP in 2019, Block A1 became available in August 2021 after the company exited the block. This was part of BP's company strategy to pivot from producing exploration and production of Hydrocarbons to becoming an integrated energy firm.
During its time as licensee, BP performed the required work obligations, including reprocessing 2D and 3D data, conducting geohazard, geology and geophysical studies, and progressing the block to drill-ready. The 2D and 3D BP reprocessed data is available for licensing from TGS at highly competitive rates (entry-level purchase price 10,000 USD). Additional reports and other data concerning the block will also be made available free of charge to bidders.
The deadline for submission of bids is June 6, 2022. Bidders will be required to submit bids electronically through a data room platform.
We encourage all interested bidders to visit the Ministry website, download the RFP, and register their interest with the Commission according to the instructions in the RFP.
“Our key objective in designing the licensing round is to ensure an attractive fiscal regime with low entry conditions for bidders, transparent procurement process and participation rules, and clear technical and financial minimum qualification criteria,” said The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Lamin Camara, The Gambia. “Following best practice, there will be one biddable term, as further explained in RFP."
The government team has the necessary experience and is well prepared to repeat the success of 2018 licensing round, said the Director-General of Petroleum Commission, Jerreh Barrow, The Gambia.
"The Government wishes to seize this opportunity to thank BP for their strong collaboration during the past two years and their excellent technical work on the block. We are excited to open our doors again to the international oil community and look forward to working with a new partner in Block A1" said the Hon. Fafa Sanyang, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Republic of The Gambia.
Paul Sinclair, Vice President of Energy and Director of Government Relations at Africa Oil Week, reaffirmed the Africa Oil Week's ongoing support and advocacy for The Republic of The Gambia and African countries in their efforts to develop oil and gas resources sustainably.
