Shell Secures Exploration Rights Offshore Sierra Leone

Shell has signed a reconnaissance permit agreement (RPA) with the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), allowing the supermajor to conduct advanced geological and geophysical studies across 19 offshore blocks. These blocks, covering nearly 20,600 square kilometers, include G91-93, G110-112, G114-117, G133-135, G148-150, and G162-164. This move is part of Shell’s broader strategy to expand its global exploration portfolio and strengthen its long-term reserve base, following similar access to acreage offshore Angola.

Scope of Work Under the Reconnaissance Permit

Under the RPA, Shell is authorized to perform quality control, conditioning, and interpretation of seismic data, as well as integrate well data and conduct detailed petrophysical analysis. The company aims to develop a regional subsurface and stratigraphic framework, undertake basin modeling, and analyze petroleum systems. This work will help identify reservoir fairways, structural traps, and seal integrity, while generating play-based exploration and prospectivity mapping. If the results are favorable, Shell may apply for one or more exploration licenses.

Strategic and Economic Implications

PDSL stated that the program is expected to significantly enhance understanding of Sierra Leone’s deepwater hydrocarbon potential, providing a structured, data-driven framework for technical evaluation and potential future licensing. Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, described the agreement as a defining moment for responsibly unlocking natural resources, signaling to global investors that the country is open for business with transparency, stability, and strong governance. PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray noted that securing Shell validates efforts to strengthen the geoscience database and regulatory framework, de-risking the basin with high-quality data to attract credible global players and accelerate exploration drilling.

Shell’s Position and Next Steps

A Shell spokesperson clarified that such engagements are non-binding memoranda of understanding to access data and assess opportunities, without constituting a commitment to proceed. Any future steps would depend on internal governance, regulatory processes, and due diligence. The agreement was signed at the Invest in African Energy Conference in Paris, with attendance from Africa Energy Partners and other investment promotion consultants.