Northern announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, Northern Petroleum (UK) Limited, completed on 16 March its 2D seismic operations in six West Sicily offshore thrust belt licences G.R17.NP, G.R18.NP, G.R19.NP, G.R20.NP, G.R21.NP and G.R22.NP. Seismic acquisition commenced on 13 February and 2463 kms of data have been acquired in these licences using the vessel ‘BOS Angler’ contracted from Bergen Oilfield Services.

This seismic acquisition in the West Sicily licences was the first part of the work programme being funded by Shell Italia E&P S.p.A under the farm-in arrangement announced in December 2008. The aim of the survey was to obtain a better definition of the substantial leads identified in the previous seismic campaign.

The vessel has now commenced operations on Northern’s wholly owned permit C.R147.NP off Pantelleria Island in the Sicily channel. The planned 500 kms 2D seismic survey in this area is again aimed to improve delineation of several large prospects, each with potential for over 200mbls recoverable oil reserves. The survey is expected to finish later this month.

In accordance with the AIM Rules – Guidance for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies, the information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and signed off by the Exploration and Technical Director of Northern, Mr Graham Heard CGeol FGS, who has over 30 years experience as a petroleum geologist.

For further information please contact:

Northern Petroleum Plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2900
Derek Musgrove, Managing Director
Chris Foss, Finance Director
Graham Heard, Exploration & Technical Director

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