Exploration Update

BowLeven Plc
31 August 2005


31 August 2005

                              BowLeven plc (BLVN)

                               Exploration Update



As scheduled in its announcement of 16 June 2005, BowLeven plc ('BowLeven' or
'the Company') announces today an update on the evaluation of its Cameroon
offshore Block MLHP-7 ('MLHP-7') and the initial phase of its drilling programme
within the shallow waters of the Etinde Permit area, in which BowLeven has a
100% interest, subject to Government participation.

The interpretation by the technical team of the 3D seismic data acquired earlier
this year has been completed over a large target area and has indicated
significant hydrocarbon potential. The interpretation is on-going.

The 3D seismic clearly demonstrates that the previously discovered gas/
condensate volumes are part of three large channel sand systems that converge in
the south of MLHP-7, in an area that is named as the 'South Area Depocentre'.
The interpretation of this channel system, which was not previously evident from
the earlier seismic data set, has provided valuable knowledge as to how the
hydrocarbon systems in this block have evolved.

Two drilling targets, in the southern area of MLHP-7, have been selected for the
initial phase of the Company's drilling campaign. One is a high-grade oil
structure and the other is a potentially large gas and condensate structure;
both of which can be commercialised if drilling results are successful. The
targets are described in greater detail below:

Oil Prospect
In the southern area of MLHP-7, a high grade oil exploration structure has been
identified in the shallow Biafra sands. The structure contains several potential
oil and gas bearing reservoirs. This structure, if proven to be hydrocarbon
bearing by the drill-bit, could contain 'in place' oil and gas volumes (at the
P50 probability level) of around 300 mmboe.

This prospect may have several additional satellite oil and gas accumulations.

Gas/Condensate Prospect
In the South Area Depocentre a large gas/condensate exploration structure has
been identified in the Upper Isongo sands. This Upper Isongo structure contains
several potential gas/condensate bearing reservoirs. If proven by drilling, this
structure could contain 'in place' gas and condensate volumes (at the P50
probability level) of around 2.5TCF of gas and some 400 mmbbl's of condensate.

These wells, together with the data from the 9 previous wells drilled on MLHP-7
and the on-going seismic interpretation programme, should provide the basis for
the next phase of the Company's drilling programme for 2006 and its plans for
the exploitation of the recoverable hydrocarbon volumes within this block.

Drilling is expected to commence in early October and complete around the end of
the year. As was announced previously, the GlobalSantaFe drilling rig, Adriatic
IX, has been contracted to drill these two wells.

The Company is currently working to complete the 3D seismic interpretation over
the remaining areas, and will make further announcements as this work is
completed.

Commenting on the developments Terry Heneaghan, BowLeven's Chairman, said:
'This is an exciting time for the Company and its shareholders. Your directors
are focussing their efforts on increasing hydrocarbon reserves and achieving
cash flow as soon as is practicable.'


Contact:

BowLeven plc
Terry Heneaghan                      0131 260 5100

Noble & Company Limited
James Bromhead                       0207 763 2200
Joe Philipsz                         0131 243 0400 (07785 255 641)
Adam Westcott                        0131 243 0459 (07710 458 284)

Maitland
Neil Bennett                         020 7379 5151
Liz Morley                           020 7379 5151




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