BG Group has welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry's announcement that it has been awarded North Sea Block 47/3h in the 20th UK Licensing Round.

The acreage awarded is next to the Juno development and further consolidates BG's position in the Southern North Sea. BG will operate Block 47/3h with a 65% holding, and is partnered by Amerada Hess Limited (35%).

Notes to Editors

BG Group is a significant holder of hydrocarbon reserves on the UK Continental Shelf, where it operates Blake, Armada and the Easington Catchment Area (including Juno). In June 2002, in an asset swap with BP, BG agreed to assume the operatorship of the Atlantic Field, which is intended to be developed in conjunction with Cromarty, operated by Amerada Hess. The company also has gas and oil interests in some 20 countries worldwide.