Casablanca – Predator Oil & Gas (PRD), a leading Jersey-based exploration firm, has officially initiated critical groundwork for its MOU-5 drilling project located in the Guercif region of Morocco. The company has commenced civil engineering activities, which include the upgrading of access roads and preparation of the well pad at the drilling site. These efforts are aimed at facilitating the start of drilling operations, set to begin in late February 2025.

The MOU-5 well, a focal point of Predator’s operations in Morocco, targets the Titanosaurus structure—a significant geological formation that the company believes could substantially enhance its asset portfolio. Strategically located near Morocco’s existing gas infrastructure, the site stands to benefit from the country’s attractive fiscal environment, further boosting its commercial potential.

CEO’s optimism for MOU-5 drilling campaign

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Predator Oil & Gas, expressed enthusiasm about the progress of the project. “We’re pleased to have efficiently assembled this fully-funded drilling campaign within the planned budget. Everything is on track to begin drilling MOU-5 as forecasted next month. This rare alignment of favorable macroeconomic and geopolitical factors presents a unique opportunity for our gas development strategy,” Griffiths noted.

Expanding the portfolio with Gas and Helium

The MOU-5 drilling operation is set to open up a new chapter in Predator’s portfolio diversification, targeting high-impact gas resources. Recent estimates place the gross recoverable gas reserves for the primary reservoir at 5.912 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in the P50 upside case, based on the latest data released in August 2024.

In addition to natural gas, the Guercif license area also holds potential helium reserves, with the latest independent reports estimating between 104.31 billion cubic feet (BCF) to 598.88 BCF of in-place helium, further adding to the region’s promise.

Strategic gas development amid global shifts

The MOU-5 prospect is located just 9 km from the Maghreb gas pipeline, a vital infrastructure offering substantial spare capacity to transport gas for both domestic and European markets. With shallow drilling depths and high expected recovery rates, the MOU-5 project promises to deliver a low-cost, high-reward operation that aligns with global energy trends.

As energy security concerns continue to rise in Europe, driven by dwindling gas reserves and geopolitical instability, the demand for reliable natural gas is at an all-time high. In this context, the gas from MOU-5 could play a pivotal role in mitigating energy supply risks while supporting the global transition to cleaner energy sources.

The company’s strategy is further bolstered by the growing momentum toward net-zero emissions goals, where natural gas serves as a key bridge fuel, offering a lower-carbon alternative to coal and oil.

Looking to the future

Predator Oil & Gas is optimistic that its MOU-5 project will contribute not only to energy security but also to economic growth in Morocco and beyond. With its proximity to existing infrastructure and the anticipated high-quality gas production, the project positions the company at the forefront of the evolving energy landscape.

The global shift toward increased natural gas exploration is reflected in ongoing projects across key regions such as the US, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With the launch of MOU-5, Predator Oil & Gas is poised to leverage both market and geopolitical trends in favor of sustainable, long-term growth.