Statoil and its Tanzanian co-venture Exxon Mobil have made a seventh gas discovery offshore the prolific East African country.
The Giligiliani-1 discovery contains some 1.2 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas in place, taking total In place volumes in Block 2 to about 21Tcf.
Giligiliani-1 is along the western side of Block 2 at a 2500m water depth. The new gas discovery was made in Upper Cretaceous sandstones.
“This discovery has proven the gas play extends into the western part of block 2, which opens additional prospects. Our success rate in Tanzania has been high and opening up a new area will be key to continuing our successful multi-well program,” said Nick Maden, senior vice president for Statoil's exploration activities in the Western Hemisphere.
The rig Discoverer Americas will now drill the Kungamanga prospect in the central part of block 2.
The Giligiliani-1 discovery is the venture’s seventh discovery in Block 2. It is preceded by the five high-impact gas discoveries Zafarani-1, Lavani-1, Tangawizi-1, Mronge-1 and Pirin -1, and a discovery in Lavani-2.
Statoil operates the license on Block 2 on behalf of Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and has a 65% working interest. ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited holds the remaining 35%. Statoil has been in Tanzania since 2007, when it was awarded the operatorship for Block 2.