BG Group: Mzia DST supports potential hub development offshore Tanzania

Aug. 27, 2014
Results from the second drillstem test (DST) on the Mzia discovery on Block 1 offshore southern Tanzania indicated further support for a hub development to supply a potential onshore LNG project, BG Group PLC said on Aug. 27.

Results from the second drillstem test (DST) on the Mzia discovery on Block 1 offshore southern Tanzania indicated further support for a hub development to supply a potential onshore LNG project, BG Group PLC said on Aug. 27.

The Mzia-3 appraisal well, drilled in 1,800 m of water about 6 km north of the original Mzia-1 discovery, flowed gas at a maximum rate of 101 MMscfd, equal to about 17,000 boe/d.

BG in 2013 tested the Mzia-2 well, the first performed on a Cretaceous discovery in deepwater offshore Tanzania, at 57 MMscfd, or 9,500 boe/d (OGJ Online, May 1, 2013).

“The excellent results from this latest [DST] further reduce reservoir risk, a critical factor as we progress design of the upstream production facilities and infrastructure,” said Sami Iskander, BG’s chief operating officer. “Also, the Mzia-3 DST, along with previous appraisal activities, supports our efforts to optimize the value of a development across our Block 1 discoveries.”

The Deepsea Metro-1 drillship will move north to complete the exploration and appraisal program on the Block 4 discoveries by drilling the Kamba-1 well.

The 2012 Mzia discovery is a multilayered field of Upper Cretaceous age with a gross gas column of more than 300 m (OGJ Online, May 16, 2012).

The Mzia and Jodari discoveries on Block 1 are estimated to hold 9 tcf of total gross recoverable resources (OGJ Online, Mar. 26, 2012). Blocks 1, 3, and 4 offshore Tanzania are estimated to hold 15 tcf of total gross recoverable resources, or 2.5 billion boe.

BG operates Blocks 1, 3, and 4 with 60% interest. Ophir Energy PLC and Pavilion Energy Pte. Ltd. each hold 20%.