Three companies apply for oil exploration contracts

Three companies have submitted applications for oil exploration production sharing contracts in Maltese waters, the Resources Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said the closing date for applications was today.

The applications will be evaluated in the coming weeks by a purposely set up committee. More details will then be given.

The ministry said the applications are the result of a promotional campaign carried out by the government through the Malta Resources Authority.

Two promotional presentations were given, in London and in Houston, Texas. These were attended by several oil companies.

Most of them visited Malta in the past months to evaluate the existing information in detail and determine the potential of Maltese waters.