Licence for gas exploration in Manx waters expires
BBCPlans to extract gas from the seabed in Manx territorial waters have been scrapped, the firm behind the proposals has confirmed.
Crogga Ltd had been given five extensions to a licence, first issued six years ago, to carry out 3D seismic surveys ahead of any exploratory drilling work. The final extension expired on Friday.
Last month the firm withdrew its request for permission to drill on the basis of 2D surveys.
In a statement, the Manx government said Crogga had been unable to agree "revised terms [which] would have covered arrangements around compensation for other parties interested in utilising the Manx seabed".
The project had aimed to extract gas from under the seabed 17km (10.5 miles) off Maughold Head, a similar area to that earmarked by renewable energy company Orsted for a proposed offshore windfarm project.
Crogga said: "The board has, for several months, been engaged in detailed discussions with the Manx Department of Infrastructure regarding an extension and variation to the licence to allow the gas project to proceed.
"However, it has become clear that it will not be possible to agree workable terms."
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