Oman-focused Tethys Oil has launched a new seismic campaign at its Block 49 (100% Tethys) in the country’s underexplored southwest this week. Both 3D and 2D seismic will be acquired in the northeast of the licenses, the firm says, in order to “define possible oil traps and enhance the understanding of the deeper parts of the block.” Tethys currently nets around 12,000 b/d from its 30% stake in CCED’s Blocks 3 & 4 in eastern Oman.

Block 49 saw nine prior wells, most recently by since-bankrupt Irish firm Circle Oil which pulled out in 2015. Tethys says it is targeting 2020 drilling at the 15,439 km2 block. Previous drilling revealed some potential oil plays, but nothing prospective enough to keep the operators onboard. Block 49 borders Blocks 58 and 75 to be offered in 2019 bidding (MEES, 7 December). (CONTINUED - 126 WORDS)