(Ecofin Agency) - Sterling Energy Plc in its update on the Ntem Concession, offshore Cameroon, noted that it was conscious of the fact that the country’s state-owned Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) on its website included a map signifying that the concession is an open block. (http://www.snh.cm/Appel_Offre/Blocs-Promotion-Bassins-Rio-Del-Rey.pdf)

According to Energy-pedia, Sterling Energy plc through its subsidiary, is the operator of the Ntem Concession with a 100% working interest. The company, however, disagrees with the Ministry and SNH’s rights to re-licence the concession.

As a result of coinciding maritime border claims affecting the Ntem Concession by the Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the company declared a force majeure on the concession On May 6, 2014. Due to this, the first renewal period was also suspended on the same date, hence the concession has not expired.

“Sterling is disappointed that SNH and the Ministry have decided to try to promote the Ntem Concession as available to the market. Sterling has been engaging SNH and the Ministry throughout 2015 and continues to seek a collaborative solution given the declaration of force majeure and subsequent suspension of the First Renewal Period from May 2014”, Eskil Jersing, Sterling Energy’s CEO said.