The drilling of the Perseverance #1 well in The Bahamas will continue following a decision of the court not to grant any orders that would halt the campaign.
Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) said on Wednesday a timetable for further hearings has been established but drilling will proceed.
In December, environmental activists had raised concerns with a court in The Bahamas related to BPC’s plans to drill the Perseverance #1 well.
A hearing to determine if BPC should be formally added as a party to the action will be held on January 14. BPC said at this hearing, the Honourable Justice Petra Hanna-Weekes will provide further directions relating to the future hearings.
“Today’s Court ruling means that the drilling of Perseverance #1 will continue, in accordance with our licences obligations, and consistent with the permits issued to the Company by the Government of The Bahamas,” said Simon Potter, CEO of BPC. “Those drilling operations, which have been underway since December 20, 2020, have the well on track to provide results within the 45 – 60 days period the Company has consistently advised.”
He said it is clear now that the applicants have failed in their last-minute attempt to interrupt the drilling of Perseverance #1 and the Government’s legitimate assessment of hydrocarbon resource potential in its southern seas.
“This is a very positive outcome for the completion of the Perseverance #1 well,” Potter said.
