Environmental
Timor-Leste Approves New Offshore Drilling Environmental License
Timor-Leste granted an environmental license for the Chuditch‑2 offshore appraisal well in the TL‑SO‑19‑16 block, advancing hydrocarbon exploration under strict sustainability conditions.
Timor‑Leste’s National Petroleum Authority issued a Category A environmental license for the Chuditch‑2 appraisal well, located in the offshore TL‑SO‑19‑16 block, to SundaGas. The March 2026 approval follows a full environmental impact assessment and management plan review, making drilling eligible under defined waste and post‑drilling monitoring conditions. Authorities emphasize balancing economic development with ocean‑environment protection amid growing offshore energy activity. Environmental groups have welcomed the transparency of the review while calling for ongoing oversight of marine biodiversity and spill‑response preparedness in Timor‑Leste’s waters.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Offshore TL‑SO‑19‑16 block, Timor‑Leste
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 00:27 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 00:27 UTC
- Source
- InspeNet
- Connected threats
- Not provided