Inpex shortlists Masela potential partners

Japan oil, gas firm Inpex Corp. has short-listed three potential partners to farm-in non-operating interest at its Masela giant gas block in Timor Sea.

Industry sources said that Royal Dutch/Shell, French giant Total SA and Norway?s Statoil are primary choice to become partner in the block, where a 2.5MTPA of floating LNG plant will be developed.

The sources said that other companies that have expressed interest to acquire stake such as Exxon Mobil Corp., ConocoPhillips and Chevron have been eliminated.

It is not immediately clear whether Inpex will farm-out part of its interest to one or two companies.

Shell is reportedly to be in favorable position as the company is currently developing the first floating LNG facility in Australia. Total is Inpex?s long-term partner in Mahakam PSC giant gas block in East Kalimantan.

Inpex currently has 90 percent interest in Masela block. Inpex has opened PQ tender for Masela FEED in May 2011. (godang)