
Rockhopper Exploration (AIM:RKH), has highlighted progress at the Sea Lion oil development in the North Falkland Basin, operated by Navitas Petroleum. The first two phases will use the Aoka Mizu FPSO with capacity of 55,000 barrels per day, while a new memorandum of understanding for a second FPSO could lift total capacity by a further 125,000 barrels per day, significantly expanding the project’s production potential if implemented.

The UK media is reporting that Navitas, the lead operator of the Falkland Islands Sea Lion field, has told investors it has signed contracts to move the Aoka Mizu floating production vessel from Shetland to the South Atlantic and plans a formal “final investment decision” this month.

Rockhopper Exploration half year results indicate that the UK oil and gas company is more hopeful than ever that a final investment decision will come this year on the Sea Lion oil project in the Falkland Islands, after it secured a successful capital raise of up to US$ 140 milliom. Rockhopper holds a 35% interest in the project with the Israeli operator Navitas Petroleum holding the remaining 65%.