ISLAMABAD: The energy scarced nation is anxiously waiting for a good newsabout confirmation of gas and oil deposits in ultra-deep waters after astate-of-the-art drillship “Mother of All Rigs” has started its operationat the offshore Indus G-Block called Kekra-I some 230-km off the Karachicoast.
Experts believe that there are massive hydrocarbon reserves, sufficient for50-year needs of the country, if proven, for which the government broughtworld leading companies in Pakistan to try its luck in offshoreexplorations.
The Exxon Mobil, a US-based and one of the world’s largest oil and gascompanies, re-entered Pakistan’s market after a 27-year break along withjoint venture partner ENI for the exploration.
On Sunday night, an exploration-fleet consisting of a major drilling ship,three supply vessels and two helicopters, started drilling work andcompiled a 12-hour preliminary report for onward submission to thecompanies’ experts.
The drilling is being carried out around 5,800 meters deep from the sealevel and expected to complete in a period of two months.
Meanwhile, official sources told APP that the government was committed toextending all possible facilities to the companies interested in carryingout offshore drilling activities as the country was in dire need of a majorgas and oil discovery.
Read Top Stories
Although, they said, a number of local and foreign Exploration andProduction (E&P) companies were operating in different potential areas foryears but could not find significant reserves matching the country’srequirements.
To encourage offshore exploration activities, they said, the government hadexempted additional customs duty on import of offshore drilling equipmentto tap unexplored hydrocarbon reserves in the country.
“In future, there will be clearance of vessels, drill ships and helicopterswithout any levy, duty or charges whatsoever including customs duty. Thisdispensation is extended to all companies and joint venture partners whoare party to any Production Sharing Agreement with the government foroffshore petroleum exploration and production activities,” they said.
