All of the important government officials have now hailed the IOC/Total partnership. O'Neill states that the gov pretty much stayed out of the negotiations and is happy with IOC's selection. Kavo adds additional comments on how this will enhance the Gulf development. So, now lets get the details management.
O’Neill hails partnership
By GYNNIE KERO
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says French company Total SA will develop the Elk and Antelope gas fields in Gulf.
The project has been in the planning stages for a while and he congratulated InterOil and Total for the partnership.
O’Neill said the Government had not interfered and had nothing to do with InterOil’s decision to have a partner for the project.
He said the Government encouraged InterOil’s directors and shareholders to do the selection process commercially.
“InterOil’s preferred partner is Total. It has been an exhaustive process and the Government has not interfered or encouraged them (InterOil) in anyway,” he said.
O’Neill said the Government was securing customers for the LNG market.
Gulf Governor Havila Kavo said the provincial government had long supported InterOil’s efforts to bring the Elk-Antelope fields into production.
“The province (Gulf) for many years has seen much activity around oil and gas,” he said.
“The economic and social benefits that international oil companies bring to our region cannot be underestimated.
“We (provincial government) have long supported InterOil but it is a small company trying to do a big project. But as we know, big projects need big companies to make them work.
“The introduction of Total to this development is good for people of Gulf and the nation.
“We hope this development will continue Gulf’s effort in attracting the industry to the region and will lead to better infrastructure such as roads, communications and health services.
“We are pleased that InterOil and Total have committed to exploring opportunities for the nation building gas supply projects.”