Eni’s recently released 2018 Fact Book provides further detail on the firm’s exploration plans at its newly-acquired acreage offshore Abu Dhabi (Eni 70%, PTTEP 30%). CEO Claudio Descalzi said in January that the first exploration well is to be drilled later this year, but provided little further detail (MEES, 18 January). The firm now adds that its commitment entails “exploration studies for the Block 1 and the drilling of two exploration wells and two appraisal wells in the Block 2”. Adnoc Upstream Executive Director Abdulmunim al-Kindy said earlier this month that new partners such as Eni “coming into the exploration phase are bringing technologies and capabilities, in addition to capital investment, into the new blocks… they are really bringing new concepts in accelerating the exploration that will enable Abu Dhabi and Adnoc to tap into the high potential that we are looking for” (MEES, 3 May).