Northern Petroleum and Shell begin local engagement campaign for onshore project in Italy

Oil and gas company Northern Petroleum has announced that Shell Italia E&P (Shell) has commenced a local engagement programme for Cascina Alberto permit located in northern Italy.

The programme is being taken up ahead of the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is necessary to conduct a geophysical survey.

In this programme, the companies will arrange nearly 200 meetings with local authorities, communities and stakeholders to procure data, information and opinion that will assist the EIA submission.

After securing the EIA approval, Shell will commence the seismic survey at the project.

Field work for the seismic survey is expected to begin next year.

Northern Petroleum CEO Keith Bush said: “Shell have demonstrated great commitment in progressing this exploration opportunity, even during the recent industry downturn.

“The views of local stakeholders are important when planning any type of operational work and we support Shell’s inclusive approach during the EIA process.

Northern Petroleum owns 20% non-operating working interest. It received the permit in July 2014.

The Cascina Alberto exploration permit includes an area of about 462km² across the Piedmont and Lombardy regions.

Eni, the company that held the area in the 1990s, estimated that the prospect hosts nearly 300 million barrels of resource.

The structure of the prospect is similar to the Villafortuna-Trecate field situated 25km from Cadcina Alberto.

Shell owns 80% interest in Cascina Alberto project along with the operatorship.