By signing the contracts, PetroChina has exploration and development rights for shallow water blocks 14 and 15 where Staatsolie has a 30% participation. The blocks were part of a bidding round launched last year.
The blocks are in the eastern part of the Suriname-Guyana basin and border Block 52, where Malaysia's Petronas and U.S. oil giant Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), opens new tab previously disclosed oil and gas discoveries. Block 14 has water depths of 50 to 75 meters and Block 15 from 75 to 150 meters.
With the two newest production sharing contracts, about 46% of Suriname's offshore area is now under contract, Staatsolie said.
