Bangladesh offshore bidding attracts Chinese and Turkish firms

Bangladesh’s offshore oil and gas bidding round has drawn formal bid-document purchases from China’s Sinopec, China National Offshore Oil Corporation International (CNOOC International), and Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPAO), according to Petrobangla records.

Bangladesh offered 26 Bay of Bengal hydrocarbon blocks on May 24, including 11 in shallow water and 15 in deep water. Bids are due Nov. 30.

Ten companies have purchased information packages, but only three have bought bid documents, Petrobangla director for operations and mines Md Shoyeb said. Sinopec also purchased specialized data Sept. 23 for a closer assessment of geological structures and potential reservoirs.

“We expect that some energy giants will buy bids in the coming days. Discussions are going on with ExxonMobil, BP and several others,” Shoyeb said.

A Bangladesh delegation met ExxonMobil, BP, and Eni executives Sept. 30.