Global said the Woodside-operated Kenya joint venture would now be able to undertake a three-to-six month comprehensive technical assessment of both leases using results from the Pomboo-1 deepwater well recently drilled in L5.

Following a duster at Pomboo, the JV decided not to drill Sokwe South-1 in L7 and to defer the next phase of exploration until such an assessment had been completed.

The JV now has until July 11 next year to decide whether to commit to a further well in either or both leases.

The L5 and L7 JV comprises Woodside Energy (Kenya) with a 30% stake, Dana Petroleum (30%), Repsol Exploracion (20%) and Global Petroleum (20%). Dana and Repsol are currently moving to transfer 3% in the two blocks from Dana to Repsol.

The costs associated with Global’s 20% stake in L5 and L7 are carried for all activities through the drilling of the first well in each of these areas.