Hartshead Resources NL announced an operational update with respect the Phase I development of the Anning and Somerville gas fields. This follows the award of key contracts for Platforms and Pipeline Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) which support preparation of the Field Development Plan (FDP). Petrofac Facilities Management Limited (Petrofac), a leading international service provider to the energy industry, has been awarded two contracts in respect of (i) the Platforms FEED contract for the Anning and Somerville unmanned minimum facilities jackets and topsides and (ii) the Subsea FEED contract for the interconnecting subsea-pipelines connecting to the Shell Exploration & Production UK Limited (Shell) Corvette export system with onward gas transport to the Leman-A complex, associated risers and tie-in to the Anning platform.

The award of the FEED contracts signals a significant milestone as the Phase I development progresses from Concept Select into Concept Define prior to entering the execution phase at Final Investment Decision (FID) which is expected to occur later in 2023. Petrofac were previously engaged to assist Hartshead with the Phase I Greenfield Concept Select which identified the preferred development concept of two wireline capable, normally unmanned, platforms connected via a subsea pipeline to the Shell infrastructure and therefore have detailed knowledge of the Phase I development programme. In addition, TelosNRG Limited (Telos) has been appointed to assist and advise Hartshead with the preparation of the Phase I FDP which is expected to be submitted to the NSTA during [first quarter of 2023].

Hartshead is also evaluating contracts for geotechnical and geophysical surveys to cover the Anning and Somerville field developments with a view to securing vessels for deployment in Q1/Q2 2023. The main objectives of the survey are to provide the Company with an interpretation of the seabed geomechanical and soil conditions at the Anning and Somerville field locations and along the pipeline route. The results of the geotechnical and geophysical surveys will form a critical component of the Environmental Statement.

Understanding of the seabed conditions at the Phase I field locations and along the pipeline route are also required for completing the subsea and platform FEED design assumptions. Finally, the Company is also pleased to confirm that Hartshead intends to participate in the UK 33rd Offshore Licensing Round recently announced by the NSTA which has a closing date of 12 January 2023 for the submission of applications. The results of the licensing round and awards are expected to be announced later in 2023.