The Chinese oil company, CNOOC Hong Kong Holding Limited, has submitted bids to explore for hydrocarbons in five offshore areas of Mozambique, according to the National Petroleum Institute (INP).

CNOOC intends to explore for hydrocarbons in areas S6-A, A6-G, A6-D, S6-B and A6-E, which were available in the sixth tender for the concession of hydrocarbon exploration and production areas.

Six areas were available, with Italian oil company Eni Mozambico Spa submitting a bid for the A6-C area. The document says that the areas are located in Angoche and Save, according to a note from the INP.

The Chairman of INP's Board of Directors, Nazário Bangalane, praised the interest shown by Eni and CNOOC in investing in those areas with proven oil potential.

At the opening of the tenders, Bangalane said that senior technicians from different state institutions, supported by an external consultant, would be responsible for evaluating the tenders. The measure aims to ensure transparency in the process.

The call for tenders, which closed on the 11th of this month, was launched in November 2021 and the results should be announced by December 30, 2022, notes the INP.