New Gas Exploration Licenses in Morocco
The British company Chariot Limited, specialized in gas exploration, announced the retrieval of its stakes in the offshore fields of Lixus and Rissana in Morocco from Energyan PLC, stating that it is now the main operator with a 75% stake in each license.
According to a statement from the company, Energyan PLC has returned its offshore interests in Morocco to Chariot, following the completion of the transfer of its wholly-owned subsidiary, which holds 45% and 37.5% in the Lixus and Rissana licenses, respectively.
The British operator added that Chariot is now the main operator, owning a 75% stake in each license, while the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines retains its 25% share.
The Anchoa gas well is located in the Lixus license, with three wells drilled to date, and the completion of the Anchoa-3 well occurred in September 2024. Although this well did not yield the additional volumes required for the planned expansion of the Anchoa field, multiple layers of good-quality gas have been found in the main interval.
Chariot confirmed its commitment to developing the license work programs and cooperating with the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines to assess and adapt the development plan for the Anchoa field based on the discovered resources.
Adonis Boulouios, the company’s CEO, commented that the discovery of Anchoa gas still holds potential for re-evaluated development, stating that Chariot’s next steps will involve determining the scope of this development based on the primary resources discovered in the three wells, supported by previous work in engineering design, environmental and regulatory approvals, project financing, and gas sales.
The same official noted that the fundamentals of the gas market in Morocco remain strong, with high demand for gas and excellent tax conditions, emphasizing that the company will collaborate with all stakeholders, including its partner, the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, and the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, to advance these pivotal projects.
