9/12/2025 | Upstream

Galp Expands exploration interest in São Tomé with 27.5% stake in Shell's offshore Block 4

·       Galp was an exploration first mover in São Tomé, in 2015, and has conducted extensive evaluation works in the country’s offshore, including one exploration well.

·       These efforts have revealed the presence of an active petroleum system, although
no commercial discoveries were made.

Galp reached a farm-in agreement with KE STP Company B.V. (Shell affiliate) for the acquisition of a 27.5% stake in São Tomé and Príncipe’s Block 4, forming a joint venture with Shell (30%, Operator), Petrobras (27.5%) and ANP-STP (15%).

With this agreement, Galp expands its presence offshore São Tomé and Príncipe, entering another early-stage exploration block through a limited financial commitment, solidifying its exploration position in a geography where Galp has been an exploration pioneer.

Galp currently holds interests in three offshore exploration blocks in the Muni River Basin, located in ultra-deep waters off STP, where it has been present since 2015. Galp is the operator of Block 6, where it holds a 45% interest alongside Shell (45%) and the national oil company ANP-STP (10%).

In 2022, Galp drilled São Tomé’s first offshore exploration well, Jaca-1. While no commercially viable accumulations were discovered, Jaca-1 revealed the presence of an active petroleum system that was thoroughly sampled and studied.

In addition to Block 6, Galp also holds a 41,2% operating position in Block 12, in partnership with Equator and ANP-STP, and a 20%-stake in Block 11, operated by Shell, with Petrobras and ANP-STP as partners.

Over the years, Galp and its partners have carried out extensive seismic campaigns and geological studies across these blocks to evaluate the region’s hydrocarbon potential. While exploration remains at an early stage, Galp’s entry in Block 4 demonstrates its long-term commitment towards the development of the country’s offshore resources.