Statoil proves Lavani, finds Cretaceous gas off Tanzania

Statoil ASA said its Lavani-2 well offshore southern Tanzania penetrated a Cretaceous gas reservoir that is the third discovery on Block 2 and confirmed the Paleogene gas reservoir found at Lavani-1.

The Ocean Rig Poseidon drillship took Lavani-2 to a total depth of 5,270 m in 2,580 m of water 5 km southeast of the Lavani-1 discovery well, 20 km south of the Zafarani-1 discovery well, and less than 100 km north of Tanzania’s marine boundary with Mozambique. The next well will appraise Zafarani.

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

Statoil and ExxonMobil will announce updated total volumes on Block 2 next year. An increase in the block’s upside potential is expected following further evaluation of the well, Statoil said.