Sterling Energy plc advises that the following release was made earlier today by Woodside Petroleum Limited:

‘Woodside Mauritania Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Woodside Petroleum Ltd., reports the following activity offshore Mauritania since the last report issued on 15 February 2005.

PSC-B, Block 4 Tiof-6 and Chinguetti Development wells
Tiof-6 Appraisal well The ‘West Navigator’ drillship successfully completed production testing of the Tiof-6 appraisal well. As previously reported, the well produced oil during the main flow period of the test at a stable rate of approximately 9,150 barrels per day, constrained by a 72/64 inch choke.

At midnight on 21 February 2005, the ‘West Navigator’ was suspending the well as a potential future oil production well prior to resuming operations on Chinguetti Development wells.

Chinguetti Development wells
The ‘Stena Tay’ drill rig continued operations on Chinguetti Development wells. Woodside does not plan to issue announcements regarding operations on Chinguetti development wells, but will do so if necessary to comply with its continuous disclosure obligations under the ASX Listing Rules.

All reported drilling depths are referenced to the rig rotary table and all times are Universal Time (UTC) (Mauritanian time).

The locations of the Chinguetti Oil Field, the Tiof and Banda discoveries and exploration wells are shown on the attached map*.

Wells are expected to be drilled in two production sharing contract areas during the remainder of the 2005 campaign.’

Participating Interests in the areas are:

Note: In accordance with Australian Stock Exchange Limited listing requirements, the geological information supplied in this report has been based on information provided by geologists who have had in excess of five years experience in their field of activity.

This information is provided by RNS, The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

RNS ANNOUNCEMENTS
RELEASE DATE: 22 February 2005