b'for: (i) long-term contract durations to enable the right exploration program to be executed, (ii) playtype diversity to provide multiple exploration concept options, (iii) prospect dependency to enhance thechance of replicating success, and (iv) sufficiently attractive fiscal terms to maximize the commercialviability of discovered hydrocarbons. This type of exploration provides the portfolio with access toasymmetric growth possibilities.Alongside the subsurface analysis, Kosmos performs an analysis of country-specific risks to gain anunderstanding of the above-ground dynamics, which may influence a particular countrys relativedesirability from an overall oil and natural gas operating and risk-adjusted return perspective. Thisprocess is employed for all new areas and is a key strength of Kosmos.Our exploration approach has evolved to include infrastructure-led exploration. This shorter-cycleapproach, which can typically deliver first production in less than 18 months, is aimed at areas wherewe have existing production and where there is sufficient infrastructure capacity to enable thedevelopment of new discoveries via subsea tieback. Acquisitions of the Ceiba Field and OkumeComplex in Equatorial Guinea together with access to surrounding exploration licenses and the DGEassets in the Gulf of Mexico have added to the inventory of infrastructure-led exploration given theirattractive acreage positions within proximity of existing infrastructure that has excess capacity available.This opens a new growth area with attractive economics in areas with high margin production thatcomplements the basin opening exploration program. It also allows shared learnings across theportfolio.Build the right strategic partnerships with complementary capabilitiesAs a full-cycle E&P company, part of our strategy is to optimize our portfolio at appropriate timesfor our exploration and development projects. One of the ways to accomplish this is to partner withhigh-quality industry players with world-class complementary capabilities. This strategy is designed toensure that the relative project can benefit from specific expertise provided by these partners, includingexploration, development, production and above-ground capabilities. We have proven we can executethis strategy by partnering with supermajors including BP PLC (BP) and Royal Dutch Shell (Shell)across our exploration portfolio. In addition, bringing in the right strategic partners early in ourprojects often comes with a financial carry on future expenditures, allowing us to reduce our costs andincrease return on investment.For example, in 2017 we formed an alliance with a subsidiary of BP. This alliance broadened therelationship that previously covered new venture opportunities in Mauritania, Senegal and The Gambiato create an Atlantic Margin explorer-developer partnership. The alliance combines Kosmos regionalexploration knowledge and capability with BPs deepwater development expertise to execute a selective,basin opening exploration strategy in the Atlantic Margin.During the fourth quarter of 2018, Kosmos entered into an additional strategic exploration alliancewith a subsidiary of Shell to jointly explore in Southern West Africa. Initially, the alliance will focus onNamibia where Kosmos has completed a farm-in to Shells acreage in PEL 39, and Sao Tome &Principe where we have entered into exclusive negotiations for Shell to take an interest in Kosmosacreage in Blocks 5, 6, 11 and 12. As part of the alliance, the two companies will also jointly evaluateopportunities in adjacent geographies. This alliance is consistent with Kosmos strategy of partneringwith supermajors to leverage complementary skill sets. Shell has deep expertise in carbonate plays,while Kosmos brings significant knowledge of the Cretaceous in West Africa. Furthermore, by workingwith Shell, Kosmos has a partner with the expertise to efficiently move exploration successes throughthe development stage.During the first quarter of 2019, Kosmos expanded its relationship with BP to grow Kosmosfootprint in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The venture includes the evaluation of 18 jointlyowned leases in the Garden Banks area and an opportunity to earn an interest in three additional11'