11-08-09 Petrom, the largest oil and gas producer in south-eastern Europe, as operator of the Neptun Block in the Black Sea, announces that it is commencing initial seismic studies. The initial work will include a 3D seismic acquisition programme over an area of approx. 3,000 sq km.
This is the largest area surveyed in Romania using 3D seismic. The work is being conducted on behalf of Petrom and co-venturer ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania, an affiliate of ExxonMobil.

Johann Pleininger, member of Petrom Executive Board, responsible for exploration and production: "Deepwater exploration is technically challenging and we are pleased to have ExxonMobil, an experienced deepwater explorer, join us in this venture."
The 3D seismic technology will help identify the most prospective areas for potential hydrocarbons fields at depths of many km below the sea bed. The survey work will be performed by one of the largest 3D seismic acquisition vessels in the world, the GeoCeltic, operated by Fugro-Geoteam. The ship arrived in Constanta harbour on August 4th. Built in 2007, the vessel has around 100 m in length and 28 m in width and utilizes state-of-the-art technology. The duration of seismic acquisition works is approx. 90 days.

ExxonMobil signed an agreement with Petrom to help explore deepwater portions of the Neptun Block offshore Romania in December 2008. ExxonMobil and Petrom, the largest Romanian oil and gas company and a member of the OMV group, agreed to cooperate on a 3D seismic acquisition and evaluation programme of the Neptun Block.
Petrom will operate the initial work programme. ExxonMobil will help fund the work programme and provide expertise in evaluating the deepwater seismic data.

ExxonMobil pioneered the development of 3D seismic technology and other technologies for gathering and interpreting data to improve the success rate of deepwater oil and gas exploration efforts. ExxonMobil's history in Romania dates back more than 100 years.
Operations have included oil production and refining, and marketing of lubricants.