On 14 October 2017, Eni together with Oman Oil Co Exploration & Production LLC (OOCEP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of state company Oman Oil Co SAOC (OOC), signed an Exploration & Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with the Omani Government for Block 52 (JuzorAl Hallaniyyat). The block (90,760 sq km) is located offshore of the southern third of Oman in water depths ranging between 10-3,000m.<P />The block has been awarded following the country's 2016 Licensing Round, which was launched in October 2016 and closed in February 2017. It was among a total of four blocks on offer, which are located in different parts of the country. <P />Block 52 is largely unexplored, with only three wells having been drilled on the vast acreage. So far there are no discoveries, however oil and/or gas shows have been reported in all three wells. The last well, Sawqirah Bay South 1, was drilled by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in 1991. It encountered gas shows in the Lower Tertiary and the Cretaceous Aruma Group. It is understood the block contains liquid hydrocarbon potential and that there are currently six mapped prospects.<P />Eni operates the acreage with an 85% interest, with OOCEP holding the remaining 15%.
Oman, Block 52 (Juzor Al Hallaniyyat)