In line with the strategy to develop and promote Morocco's hydrocarbon resources, the general director of Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Amina Benkhadra, inked two reconnaissance contracts with Charles David Tautfest, president of Esso Exploration International Limited, a subsidiary of US oil major ExxonMobil Corporation
Morocco's hydrocarbons strategy has seen consistent progress due to projects such as Loukos and Anchois, which can potentially become major supply sources for the region's gas market. The country is also working to produce the world's cheapest green hydrogen via a project called White Dunes, spearheaded by Falcon Capital Dakhla in collaboration with HDF Energy.
First exploration since 1999
Signed in ONHYM headquarters, the reconnaissance contracts mark ExxonMobil's first exploration activity in Morocco since 1999. The areas of operation to be covered are Safi-Essaouira and Agadir-Ifni offshore the cities of Safi, Essaouira, Agadir and Sidi Ifni.
The Moroccan offshores are also known for prospective acreages such as the Lixus and Rissana licences which are being developed by Energean and Chariot.