CNOOC Limited (the "Company", NYSE: CEO, SEHK: 00883, TSX: CNU) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Nexen Energy ULC (Nexen), has entered into an exclusive agreement with the Government of British Columbia, Canada to examine the viability of constructing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and export terminal at Grassy Point near Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada.
The agreement with the Government of British Columbia, represented by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, grants Nexen and its joint venture partners INPEX Corporation and JGC Corporation, the exclusive right to pursue long-term access to Crown land at Grassy Point.
"LNG export is the most attractive option for maximizing the value of our Canadian shale gas business," said Li Fanrong, CEO of CNOOC Limited. "With robust financial capacity, a track record of efficient, innovative and responsible development and significant LNG expertise, Nexen and our joint venture partners are well positioned to pursue this opportunity."
In addition to assessing the suitability of the Grassy Point site, the decision to proceed with LNG development is subject to a variety of internal and external approvals. Financial attractiveness is dependent on acceptable cost estimates, fiscal terms and obtaining acceptably-priced sales agreements.
"We have a long process ahead that includes a site viability review, a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and stakeholder consultation," said Kevin Reinhart, CEO of Nexen. "Throughout the planning process, we'll also examine the steps we can take to help the Province of British Columbia realize its goal of creating a strong and competitive LNG industry that creates jobs, strengthens pan-Pacific trading relationships and delivers lasting social and economic benefits."
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding expected future events, business prospectus or financial results. The words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes reasonable under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the Company's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results, performance and financial conditions to differ materially from the Company's expectations, including those associated with fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the exploration or development activities, the capital expenditure requirements, the business strategy, whether the transactions entered into by the Company can complete on schedule pursuant to its timetable or at all, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industries, the foreign operations, environmental liabilities and compliance requirements, and economic and political conditions in the People's Republic of China. For a description of these and other risks and uncertainties, please see the documents the Company has filed from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including 2012 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on April 24, 2013.
Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.
