Statoil, ExxonMobil hit more gas on Tanzania Block 2

Statoil ASA and ExxonMobil Corp. have discovered gas at a third deepwater well, estimated to have 4 to 6 tcf of gas in place, on Block 2 offshore Tanzania.

The Tangawizi-1 well brings to 15-17 tcf the estimated total gas in place on the block. Tangawizi found gas in Tertiary sandstones in 2,300 m of water 10 km seaward from the firms’ Zafarani and Lavani discoveries.

Statoil said it has completed five wells on the block within 15 months and will drill more later this year. The companies are working to mature more prospects on Block 2 and have shot 3D seismic in areas previously covered only by 2D seismic.

“Recoverable gas volumes in the range of 10-13 tcf bring further robustness to a future decision on a potential LNG project,” said Tim Dodson, Statoil executive vice-president for exploration.

Statoil noted that Tangawizi is actually the venture's fourth discovery within a year, preceded not only by Zafarani-1 and Lavani-1 but also by a deeper discovery in a separate reservoir at Lavani-2.

Statoil operates Block 2 with 65% working interest on behalf of Tanzania Petroleum Development Corp. ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Tanzania Ltd. has 35%.