Energy Resource Technology GOM, Inc. (ERT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Helix Energy Solutions has sold a 30% working interest in the Phoenix oilfield (Green Canyon Blocks 236/237), the Boris oilfield (Green Canyon Block 282) and the Little Burn oilfield (Green Canyon Block 238) to Sojitz GOM Deepwater, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sojitz Corporation for a cash payment of $40 million and the proportionate recovery of all past and future capital expenditures related to the re-development of the field, excluding the conversion of the Helix Producer I, which Helix plans to use as a redeployable floating production unit (FPU). Sojitz will also pay their proportionate share of the operating costs including fees payable for the use of the FPU. Approximately half of the $40 million gain will be recorded immediately with the other half to be recorded as certain future events occur.
Martin, Ferron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix stated, "This transaction clearly demonstrates the ability of our two stranded business model to enhance the economics of marginal fields, as the cash consideration received is directly linked to the creative and cost effective re-development plan we have devised for this oilfield and the oil and gas reserve potential we have identified on the lease(s). We are very pleased to welcome Sojitz as a partner and look forward to working with them in the future. Their working interest participation will help to reduce the risk, capital expenditures and service division profit deferral on this project. This sale will also allow us to accelerate the pursuit of other exciting oil and gas projects in our extensive exploration and development portfolio."