Upstream News

Tullow sees successful first flow test at Kenya well

Tullow Oil has recorded a successful first flow test of the Ngamia-1 well in Kenya. At the Ngamia-1 well in Block 10BB in Kenya, the first of six drill stem tests has now been completed. The test was carried out in the Lower Lokhone formation. The well flowed 281 barrels of 30 degree API oil per day using a Progressive Cavity Pump. The other tests will be carried out in the Auwerwer reservoirs (formerly Upper Lokhone) which produced very well in the recent tests at the Twiga South-1 well. The mobilization of the drilling rig from Paipai in Block 10A to the Etuko (previously Kamba) location in Block 10BB in Kenya continues on schedule with drilling expected to commence in the first half of May. Tullow operates the Ngamia-1 well and Africa Oil (50%) has a non-operated interest.

Angus McCoss, exploration director of Tullow Oil plc, commented, "The results from the first flow test at Ngamia are also very encouraging and prove the first potentially commercial flow from the Lower Lokhone reservoir section. The remaining tests in the Auwerwer reservoir units will give us a fuller indication of Ngamia's production potential."

Anadarko provides East Africa exploration update

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC) has discovered a new natural gas accumulation fully contained within the Offshore Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin of Mozambique. The Orca-1 discovery well encountered approximately 190 net feet of natural gas pay in a Paleocene fan system.

"Discovering another large, distinct and separate natural gas accumulation in the Offshore Area 1 continues our outstanding exploration success offshore Mozambique," said senior vice president, Worldwide Exploration Bob Daniels. "We are designing an initial two-well appraisal program to define the areal extent of the Orca field, which will commence immediately after drilling our Linguado and Espadarte exploration wells. Orca is a single large Paleocene column, and its proximity to shore provides additional options and flexibility for potential future development."

The Orca-1 exploration well was drilled to a total depth of approximately 16,391 feet (4,996 meters), in water depths of approximately 3,481 feet (1,061 meters).

Anadarko is the operator in the Offshore Area 1 with a 36.5% working interest. Co-owners include Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1, Limited (20%), BPRL Ventures Mozambique BV (10%), Videocon Mozambique Rovuma 1 Limited (10%) and PTT Exploration & Production Plc (8.5%). Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos ep's 15% interest is carried through the exploration phase.

Anadarko also completed drilling its Kubwa well in the L-07 Block offshore Kenya, which encountered non-commercial oil shows in reservoir-quality sands.

Rosneft, Marubeni sign LNG, exploration and development cooperation agreement

April 17, 2013 Rosneft and Marubeni Corp. signed Memorandum of Cooperation in LNG project implementation and joint exploration and development of oil and gas fields. As part of the Memorandum the parties plan to consider possibilities for cooperation in implementing the LNG project in the Russian Far East, which includes engineering and construction of LNG plant, financing, transportation of LNG including operation of tankers, supply of equipment and machineries, marketing of LNG to Japanese utilities. The document signed also envisages joint study of possibilities for cooperation in exploration and development of oil and gas fields at Rosneft license areas.

Anadarko operates the L-07 Block with a 50% working interest. Co-venturers in the L-07 Block include Total E&P Kenya BV (40%) and PTT Exploration & Production Plc (10%).

Elfin-1 discovery grows natural gas portfolio in Australia for Chevron

Chevron Corp. has seen further drilling success by its Australian subsidiary in the Exmouth Plateau area, located in the Carnarvon Basin.

The Elfin-1 exploration discovery well encountered approximately 132 feet of net gas pay in the upper Mungaroo sands. It is Chevron's 21st discovery offshore western Australia since mid-2009.

Located in the WA-268-P permit area, the well is located approximately 106 miles northwest of Barrow Island and was drilled in 3,570 feet of water to a total depth of 11,909 feet.

Melody Meyer, president, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company said, "This remarkable series of exploration discoveries in the Carnarvon Basin has created a robust gas portfolio in Australia. The growth of this portfolio positions the company to supply future LNG demand in the Asia Pacific region."

Chevron Australia is the operator of WA-268-P with a 50% interest while Shell Development Australia and Mobil Australia Resources each hold a 25% interest.