Crescent Petroleum’s concession rights in Pakistan were in two blocks near the River Indus in the northwestern flank of the petroliferous Potwar Basin, in a complex geological area that covered over 2,000 sq. km. The company’s initial working interest was 95%, and the work obligation required a seismic program and drilling of one well in partnership with Amoco.
During 1986, 782 km of seismic data were acquired using an SSL vibroseis crew over both blocks. In addition, a geological survey was carried out over Block A to integrate surface geology with the geophysics. The exploration work resulted in the identification of several leads. Subsequently, a well was drilled without commercial success in partnership with Amoco.
On expiry of the permit, the blocks were handed back to the Government of Pakistan.
Crescent Petroleum’s Gulf South Asia Gas Project (GUSA) was an early integrated concept to produce, transport and deliver natural gas from Qatar to Pakistan, with potential extension to other parts of the Indian subcontinent.
The project comprised two core components: the upstream development of a sector of Qatar’s North Field to produce up to 1,600 MMscf/d of pipeline-quality gas, and a 1,186 km pipeline to transport the gas to Pakistan. In addition to gas production, the upstream development was expected to yield condensate and gas liquids for separate marketing.
Crescent Petroleum acted as developer and lead sponsor, advancing the project to a pre-implementation stage. This included completion of pipeline engineering design and a detailed onshore and offshore route survey covering the full corridor, undertaken by Fugro International.
Despite this progress, the project was ultimately aborted due to political constraints.