Maersk Oil completed the acquisition of 50% of Africa Oil Corp.’s share in three onshore exploration licenses in the Turkana region of northern Kenya and two contiguous licenses in southern Ethiopia, the company said Feb. 23. The transaction was recently approved by the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments.

The licenses cover about 100,000 sq km and include nine recent oil discoveries. Ongoing Exploration and appraisal activities are ongoing. Tullow Oil operates four of the blocks, while Africa Oil operates one.

The five East African licenses are:

-- 25% interest in exploration license 10BB in Kenya, partnered with Tullow Oil (operator, 50%) and Africa Oil (25%);

--25% interest in exploration license 10BA in Kenya partnered with Tullow Oil (operator, 50%) and Africa Oil (25%);

--25% interest in exploration license 13T in Kenya partnered with Tullow Oil (operator, 50%) and Africa Oil (25%);

--25% interest in exploration license Rift Basin in Ethiopia partnered with Africa Oil (operator, 25%) and Marathon (50%); and

--15% interest in exploration license South Omo in Ethiopia partnered with Tullow Oil (operator, 50%), Marathon (20%) and Africa Oil (15%).

Ebbie Haan, chief growth officer for Maersk Oil, said the company is now officially a partner in all five licenses.