IHS Energy Offers New Seismic and Well Data for Offshore Ireland, Including Data for the Recently Announced Rockall Basin License Round

TETBURY, U.K. (21 July 2004) – IHS Energy, the global source of oil and gas information, analytical software and consulting services, has announced the availability of newly released well and digital SEG-Y seismic data for the Irish offshore sector. This availability follows an agreement between the Irish government's Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) and IHS Energy, the sole release agent for this data.

This new data release follows news of an Irish Licensing Round in the Rockall Basin, which was announced on the 23rd of May and has a closing date of 31st March 2005. John Browne, Minister of State for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, said 60 to 70 blocks would be offered for licensing in the northeastern part of the basin. Details of the round will be announced at the Irish Petroleum Exploration Opportunities Event, being hosted by the PAD on 27 and 28 July 2004 (ref. PAD's Web site, www.pad.ie).

The Rockall Basin has been attracting industry interest and well and digital seismic data from IHS Energy will provide increased quality and accuracy for license bids, shorter cycle times and will also enable greater workflow integration.

Increased volumes of digital seismic data for the Irish offshore sector have been made available following the participation of most companies through a data compilation exercise initiated by the PAD and IHS Energy. IHS Energy has data sets for all offshore Ireland regions from the Kish Bank Basin through the Celtic Sea to the Atlantic basins off the west coast - Porcupine, Rockall, Slyne, Erris and Donegal.

Commenting on the availability of new data, Nick Hardy, Manager Subsurface Division, IHS Energy, said: "While offshore Ireland hasn't yet delivered its full promise, it is still attracting significant interest, especially new entrants from North America. The Rockall Basin is set to generate increased activity in offshore Ireland and bring in new operators, especially in light of the recent development work at Corrib and exploration activity around Dooish. We are delighted to have excellent enhanced and modern data available to assist in this new License Round."