Despite the interest in offshore East African oil prospects in recent years, the most tangible successes have been onshore in the Lake Albert basin in Uganda. Drilling in Kenya and Tanzania has been relatively disappointing, although the latter saw some gas finds, while perhaps the most tantalizing prospect in the near term is the Madagascan deepwater, where ExxonMobil is expected to undertake further drilling this year.rnInterest in the offshore does not just reflect relative prospectivity. Initial seismic research is easier where there are few or no physical obstacles. There are generally no other land right issues beyond licensing with the central authorities, and there is less security risk. Offshore infrastructure is less vulnerable to social unrest and political conflict. If oil is discovered, it can be taken directly, and more quickly, to international markets without intermediaries. And, say it quietly, the sea is better than land at absorbing the odd spill.
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