Italian energy major Eni has been crowned the upstream industry’s most-admired explorer in Wood Mackenzie’s prestigious annual Exploration Survey for a record-tying fifth time.
The 16th edition of the industry-leading survey polls views from across the exploration sector, asking respondents to identify which explorer, aside from their own company, they most admire.
“I would like to congratulate Eni’s Exploration Director, Aldo Napolitano, and his global team for this well-deserved win,” said Julie Wilson, Director of Subsurface Research at Wood Mackenzie.
“The industry continues to admire operators who can open new frontiers and find large volumes of advantaged resources. Eni’s recent efforts and discoveries have been excellent examples of both trends.”
Several other explorers were also recognised for their achievements:
Discovery of the Year: Shell, for the Jonker discovery and previous finds in Namibia in partnership with QatarEnergy and NAMCOR. Wilson highlighted the industry’s excitement around this “fast-emerging play” that could help establish a new industry for Namibia if commercialised.
E&P Explorer of the Year: Galp Energies, marking the first time the company has received this honour based on its giant Mopane discovery in Namibia earlier this year.
NOC Explorer of the Year: PETRONAS, lauded for an impressive run of gas discoveries in Malaysia adding over 1.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources, as well as success in Suriname.
“The exploration industry helps meet future energy demand,” Wilson stated.
“These award-winning companies, and many others, continue to discover advantaged resources that can displace less sustainable and more costly oil and gas supply. Their development will reduce upstream emissions and support investment in clean energy alternatives through the energy transition.”
The annual Wood Mackenzie Exploration Survey provides a respected benchmark for explorers’ performance and is closely watched across the upstream sector.
