THE RED SEA—GULF OF ADEN: HYDROCARBON EVALUATION OF MULTINATIONAL SEDIMENTARY BASINS:The methodology of regional cooperation

Abstract

Successful hydrocarbon exploration in frontier basins of the developing world is mutually beneficial to the oil industry, and for the economic development of the country concerned. Exploration has proved to be difficult when the basin is overlain by two or more countries. A market survey of the petroleum industry indicated that, to be successful, promotional efforts should include the entire frontier basin rather than one part of it. The Red Sea/Gulf of Aden Basin was chosen by the World Bank as a prototype of regional basin promotion for reasons both of geology and economic development.Following detailed discussions with the seven governments involved, and the industry likely to be interested, a detailed work plan was produced. Funding came from several donor agencies. Specialized analytical investigations were undertaken with respect to source‐rock geochemistry, palaeontology, sedimentology and heat‐flow studies.Pivotal to implementation was the provision of data from the governments. The presence of the World Bank as an intermediary between governments and industry provided the required clarity and transparency for the process, free of normal confidentiality issues. The participating governments have expressed a strong desire to preserve the results through the conversion of the project work‐station in Cairo into a regional research centre.