AIM-listed Rockhopper Exploration, the oil and gas company with key interests in the North Falkland Basin ('NFB'), notes the recent update published by Navitas Petroleum (Operator) on Sea Lion development progress.

 As previously disclosed the first two phases of the Sea Lion development is set to use an FPSO, being the Aoka Mizu, which shall have production capacity of 55k bopd (19.25k bopd net to Rockhopper). Navitas has today provided an update that it is investigating accelerating the development of subsequent phases of the Sea Lion development and has accordingly signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") for an additional FPSO which could increase the Sea Lion production capacity by a further 125,000 bopd (43.75k bopd net to Rockhopper). There is no guarantee that this MOU will convert to legally binding agreements.

Navitas has also updated that due to the conflict in Iran, it has decided to change the location for the upgrades of the Aoka Mizu FPSO from the Middle East to Asia. This change will add an approximate US$45 million to the current development budget.  Rockhopper benefits from a loan from Navitas covering 2/3 of its 35% equity requirement for Phase 1 of the Sea Lion development.  Accordingly, the net increase in Rockhopper's equity costs is US$5.25 million and Rockhopper remains funded for Phase 1 of the project.

Navitas reports other progress on the Sea Lion development as follows:

Samuel Moody, Chief Executive Officer of Rockhopper, commented:

'We are delighted that the project is on track having taken the prudent decision in the light of the security situation arising from the Iran conflict to move the FPSO work from the Middle East to Asia.  We are equally excited at the prospect that the development of additional barrels might be accelerated with the signing of the MOU for a second FPSO giving the opportunity to add a further 125,000 barrels per day of production to the 55,000 barrels per day from the first two phases.'

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Source: Rockhopper Exploration