Under the agreement, Hardman will supply its 19.01% share of crude oil production from the Chinguetti field in offshore Mauritania to the oil major until December 31 this year, with prices linked to the Brent crude index, Hardman said.

The company said Chinguetti crude oil was expected to be within typical West African quality range, and acceptable to a broad range of refiners.

In addition, Hardman has entered into a pooling arrangement with the Mauritanian government and its national oil company, Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures and affiliates of BG plc and Premier Oil plc, which are also partners in the Chinguetti joint venture. The agreement involves lifting cargoes jointly from the FPSO Berge Helene.

“This arrangement will provide more frequent liftings of entitlements and therefore more regular cash flow than could be achieved if the Company lifted its crude oil separately from other sellers,” Hardman managing director Simon Potter said.

“The company is pleased to work with the Government of Mauritania and SMH in developing a market for its first crude oil production.”

Meanwhile, Roc Oil told the ASX today it has appointed operator Woodside Energy to market its 3.25% share of crude oil from the field.

Project partners in Chinguetti are: Woodside (47.83%); Roc Oil (3.25%); Hardman Resources (19.01%); UK's BG Group plc (10.23%); and Premier Oil Plc, also of the UK (8.12%) and the Mauritanian government (12%).