Independent oil and gas company Meren Energy is actively seeking a strategic partner for its Blocks EG-18 and EG-31 in Equatorial Guinea, positioning itself at the heart of a growing shift toward infrastructure-led exploration in one of Africa’s most established hydrocarbon provinces.
The company currently operates both blocks with an 80% working interest and is running an active farm-down process to bring in partners. EG-31 hosts several identified gas-prone prospects, while EG-18 has revealed a potentially large Cretaceous-age basin floor fan prospect. CEO Oliver Quinn said the company is working toward a near-term deal announcement. “We currently operate both blocks with an 80% interest and are running an active farmdown process to bring in partners who share our vision,” he said. “Bringing in partners with the right technical expertise and financial capacity is the most effective way to accelerate the exploration, appraisal and eventual development of these highly prospective blocks.”
A key selling point for EG-31 is its proximity to the Punta Europa LNG complex, which Quinn said materially shortens development timelines and reduces capital requirements — particularly relevant for the company’s Gardenia gas discovery. “Infrastructure proximity is a defining advantage for our Block EG-31. That proximity materially shortens development timelines and reduces capital requirements,” he said.
The broader investment case for Equatorial Guinea has been reinforced by Aseng project reaching a Final Investment Decision in March 2026, aimed at feeding new volumes into the Punta Europa complex. The country is also running an April 2026 licensing round designed to attract fresh exploration capital. Quinn said Equatorial Guinea remains an attractive long-term jurisdiction. “Equatorial Guinea is a proven hydrocarbon province with high-quality resources, established infrastructure and a supportive investment environment,” he said, adding that the company would carefully assess any participation in the licensing round against its strategic and financial criteria.
Source: Prospect Intelligence