Neptune Energy is gaining a 15% stake in fallow block exploration area F03b, following an application from KNOC subsidiary Dana Petroleum in early February 2019. Dana Petroleum will operate the F03b fallow block (290 sq km) and is considering an exploration well in early 2021. Dana Petroleum submitted a fallow block activity plan on 29 June 2018. The fallow block application excludes the F03-FB Field area on the SW of the licence, currently 334 sq km which is operated by Neptune Energy. Under the Dutch 'Offshore Covenant', the holder of a licence can voluntarily surrender all or part of the acreage to a partner or third party, once prompted by the minister. F03b was awarded on 13 December 2007, and contains the E part of F03-FB oil field in Late Jurassic (Oxfordian) Upper Graben Formation, which was discovered in 1974 and commenced production in 1993. It lies adjacent to the SW of F03a which holds the F03-FA Field, operated by Spirit Energy, and is immediately W of the German border. The fallow block application acreage contains two dry NFWs drilled by NAM in 1971 and 1976. F03b partners are Neptune Energy Netherlands BV (36.6% + Op), TAQA Offshore BV (23.4%) and Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN, 40%).<P />
Neptune Energy is gaining a 15% stake in fallow block exploration area F/03b.