Mozambique bid round launched

Following the passage of legislation designed to bring clarity and coherence to the hydrocarbons sector, and an unexpectedly bruising presidential election, the government launched its fifth licensing round at parallel events in London and Maputo in late October. Companies have until 20 January to submit bids, with bid evaluations to take place in February; shortlisted companies will be invited to negotiate exploration and production contracts in March. The state Instituto Nacional de Petróleo is offering 15 blocks, covering a total 76,800km2, eleven in the offshore (comprised of three-ultra deep areas in the Rovuma Basin