Tanzania has had sporadic exploratory activity over the last 5 decades. To date, about 40 exploratory wells have been drilled, with only 2 significant gas discoveries at Mnazi Bay and Songo Songo. These discoveries confirm the presence of an active petroleum system. Notable discoveries in 2010, have enhanced the prospectivity of the region and companies are looking to strike it big in 2011. Here are the companies that have been active in Tanzania in the exploration front over the last few years and looking to drill in 2011 and 2012! Shell and Petrobras also have interests in some concessions (see map), but pending further announcements from these companies, it is unlikely any exploratory drilling will occur in 2011. Material has been sourced from Derrick Petroleum's exhaustive data on exploration and deals. The
Table 1: List of Blocks in Tanzania with operators looking to explore in 2011. Also listed are wells drilled in 2010. The number of columns has been minimized to fit the table on the page. The actual database has many more parameters listed and recorded. Source, Derrick Petroleum- Planned Exploration Wells Database. For more information on the blocks and their locations and ownership, read below.
Figure 1: Map of licenced blocks in Tanzania with gas fields shown. Source, Heritage Oil.
1. Lindi & Mtwara Licences
Tullow operates these two licences in the Tanzanian portion of the Ruvuma Basin. Processing of a 2D seismic dataset over the licenses was completed in 2008. Two prospects, Sudi-1 and Mikindani-1 were identified and Mikindani-1 was planned to be drilled in Q3 2009. However reprocessing of the seismic data by Tullow Oil led to a new drilling location at the Likonde-1 prospect. The Likonde-1 well was spudded on January 09, 2010 and encountered residual oil & gas. The well was plugged and abandoned. The Sudi-1 well in Mtwara licence is scheduled to be drilled in 2H 2011. The Ntorya-1 well is also planned to be drilled in Sept/ Oct 2011, about 14 km to the south of Likonde-1, to a planned total depth of 2020 m, targeting the same high quality Lower Tertiary reservoir sands encountered in the Likonde-1 well. The ownership structure is given below:
Tullow operates these two licences in the Tanzanian portion of the Ruvuma Basin. Processing of a 2D seismic dataset over the licenses was completed in 2008. Two prospects, Sudi-1 and Mikindani-1 were identified and Mikindani-1 was planned to be drilled in Q3 2009. However reprocessing of the seismic data by Tullow Oil led to a new drilling location at the Likonde-1 prospect. The Likonde-1 well was spudded on January 09, 2010 and encountered residual oil & gas. The well was plugged and abandoned. The Sudi-1 well in Mtwara licence is scheduled to be drilled in 2H 2011. The Ntorya-1 well is also planned to be drilled in Sept/ Oct 2011, about 14 km to the south of Likonde-1, to a planned total depth of 2020 m, targeting the same high quality Lower Tertiary reservoir sands encountered in the Likonde-1 well. The ownership structure is given below:
Company | Company Share |
Tullow Oil* | 50 |
Aminex plc | 37.5 |
Solo Oil Plc | 12.5 |
2. Mandawa
[RELINQUISHED] The Mandawa contract, awarded in 2005, covers 6811 sq kms. It lies just south of Maurel's Bigwa-Rufiji-Mafia Block. The Mihambia prospect, which held pre-drill potential resources of 176 mmboe was spud in early 2009 and the well failed to encounter hydrocarbons. On June 28, 2010 the Company announced that it had commenced drilling the Kianika-1 well which also failed to encounter hydrocarbons. On 23 March 2011, Maurel et Prom (Dominion's joint venture partner) advised the relevant authorities in Tanzania that the partners would be surrendering the Mandawa contract area.
[RELINQUISHED] The Mandawa contract, awarded in 2005, covers 6811 sq kms. It lies just south of Maurel's Bigwa-Rufiji-Mafia Block. The Mihambia prospect, which held pre-drill potential resources of 176 mmboe was spud in early 2009 and the well failed to encounter hydrocarbons. On June 28, 2010 the Company announced that it had commenced drilling the Kianika-1 well which also failed to encounter hydrocarbons. On 23 March 2011, Maurel et Prom (Dominion's joint venture partner) advised the relevant authorities in Tanzania that the partners would be surrendering the Mandawa contract area.
3. Ruvu
Dodsal Hydrocarbons and Power (Tanzania) Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dodsal Resources signed the Production Sharing Agreement with the Government of Tanzania on October 23, 2007, acquiring possession of an on-shore Oil and Gas Concession called the RUVU block, 30kms West of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with an area of more than 15,000 sq. km. Seismic Data Processing and investigative explorations indicates presence of hydrocarbons, with re-interpretation conducted at leading technology centers in Canada, Germany and UK. Based on these positive results, Dodsal is planning for additional 2D seismic acquisition in 2011 and drilling of Exploratory Well in 2012. Dodsal holds 100% interest in the permit.
Dodsal Hydrocarbons and Power (Tanzania) Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Dodsal Resources signed the Production Sharing Agreement with the Government of Tanzania on October 23, 2007, acquiring possession of an on-shore Oil and Gas Concession called the RUVU block, 30kms West of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with an area of more than 15,000 sq. km. Seismic Data Processing and investigative explorations indicates presence of hydrocarbons, with re-interpretation conducted at leading technology centers in Canada, Germany and UK. Based on these positive results, Dodsal is planning for additional 2D seismic acquisition in 2011 and drilling of Exploratory Well in 2012. Dodsal holds 100% interest in the permit.
4. Kimbiji
Kimbiji Block has a total area of 4298 sq km and lies both onshore and offshore. In 2008, 207 km of 2D seismic was acquired onshore in the Kimbiji licence area. The acquisition of over 300 sq km of fully migrated 3D seismic offshore Tanzania commenced in December 2010 and was completed in January 2011. As of Q1, 2011, the data is currently being processed with a view to establishing a drilling location. The partners are:
Kimbiji Block has a total area of 4298 sq km and lies both onshore and offshore. In 2008, 207 km of 2D seismic was acquired onshore in the Kimbiji licence area. The acquisition of over 300 sq km of fully migrated 3D seismic offshore Tanzania commenced in December 2010 and was completed in January 2011. As of Q1, 2011, the data is currently being processed with a view to establishing a drilling location. The partners are:
Company | Company Share |
Heritage Oil Ltd* | 70 |
Petrodel Resources Ltd | 30 |
5. Kisangire
Kisangire Block has a total area of 7280 sq kms and lies onshore. Heritage Oil acquired 198 kms of 2D seismic in the Kisangire licence area in September 2008. The consortium was planning to drill an exploration well in 2009. However, on 17 December 2010, Heritage Oil, Dominion's partner in the Kisangire-Lukuliro contract area, affirmed the proposal that the licence for that area be allowed to lapse.
Kisangire Block has a total area of 7280 sq kms and lies onshore. Heritage Oil acquired 198 kms of 2D seismic in the Kisangire licence area in September 2008. The consortium was planning to drill an exploration well in 2009. However, on 17 December 2010, Heritage Oil, Dominion's partner in the Kisangire-Lukuliro contract area, affirmed the proposal that the licence for that area be allowed to lapse.
6. Block 7
Block 7 has an area of 8492 sq kms and the water depth varies from less than 400 m to more than 2500 m. Dominion has concluded the first phase of interpretation of approximately 4350 kms of 2D seismic lines acquired in late 2007 and early 2008 and identified several prospects. A prospect named Alpha has been identified on the Block by the existing 4,350 kms of 2D seismic coverage. As per the CPR on this prospect, it is estimated to hold mean prospective resource potential of about 1.104Bbbl of oil or 7.069Tcf of gas. Dominion is planning to drill an exploration well on this block in H2 2011. Dominion Petroleum holds 100% interest in the block.
Block 7 has an area of 8492 sq kms and the water depth varies from less than 400 m to more than 2500 m. Dominion has concluded the first phase of interpretation of approximately 4350 kms of 2D seismic lines acquired in late 2007 and early 2008 and identified several prospects. A prospect named Alpha has been identified on the Block by the existing 4,350 kms of 2D seismic coverage. As per the CPR on this prospect, it is estimated to hold mean prospective resource potential of about 1.104Bbbl of oil or 7.069Tcf of gas. Dominion is planning to drill an exploration well on this block in H2 2011. Dominion Petroleum holds 100% interest in the block.
7. Selous
The Selous PSA in southern Tanzania is a relatively un-explored area dominated by the Permian Selous basin covering an area of 16818 sq kms. A seismic study of the block was planned in H2-2010. As on April 2011, the license has been “frozen” by mutual consent (i.e. no pending commitments). Dominion Petroleum holds 100% interest in the block.
The Selous PSA in southern Tanzania is a relatively un-explored area dominated by the Permian Selous basin covering an area of 16818 sq kms. A seismic study of the block was planned in H2-2010. As on April 2011, the license has been “frozen” by mutual consent (i.e. no pending commitments). Dominion Petroleum holds 100% interest in the block.
8. Nyuni
The Nyuni Licence area is located on the eastern costal shelf of Tanzania and covers a total area of 1300 sq kms. The Kiliwani North-1 exploration well, drilled in February 2008, resulted in a gas discovery. The Nyuni PSA contains significant undrilled prospects, notably the Nyuni prospect itself and the Okuza and Fanjove prospects. The Nyuni-2 well was spud on 17 June 2011 and will target the same Neocomian sandstones which form the reservoirs in the nearby Songo-Songo gas field and in Aminex's Kiliwani North gas field reservoir. An additional target is an Aptian/Albian sandstone reservoir which was logged as gas bearing in the Nyuni-1 well, which was drilled but not tested in 2004. It is estimated that drilling to target depth will take 9-10 weeks. Partners are:
The Nyuni Licence area is located on the eastern costal shelf of Tanzania and covers a total area of 1300 sq kms. The Kiliwani North-1 exploration well, drilled in February 2008, resulted in a gas discovery. The Nyuni PSA contains significant undrilled prospects, notably the Nyuni prospect itself and the Okuza and Fanjove prospects. The Nyuni-2 well was spud on 17 June 2011 and will target the same Neocomian sandstones which form the reservoirs in the nearby Songo-Songo gas field and in Aminex's Kiliwani North gas field reservoir. An additional target is an Aptian/Albian sandstone reservoir which was logged as gas bearing in the Nyuni-1 well, which was drilled but not tested in 2004. It is estimated that drilling to target depth will take 9-10 weeks. Partners are:
Company | Company Share |
Aminex plc* | 65 |
RAK Gas Commission | 25 |
Key Petroleum Ltd | 5 |
Bounty Oil & Gas NL | 5 |
9. Mafia Bigwa Rufiji
The Mafia Bigwa Rufiji permit is located both onshore and offshore Tanzania. The consortium drilled the Mafia Deep ST-1 well in Q1-2009 which had a pre-drill estimate of 3 Tcf. In August 2009, drilling commenced on a new exploration well Mohoro-1 in the Delta Rufiji. This new prospect, revealed by the seismic survey conducted in 2008 and interpreted in 2009 encountered a column of water impregnated with hydrocarbon gas but in non-commercial quantities. Pending further announcements, no wells are planned to be drilled in 2011 or 2012. Maurel & Prom hold a 40% interest and is operator. Other partners and their stake is not disclosed.
The Mafia Bigwa Rufiji permit is located both onshore and offshore Tanzania. The consortium drilled the Mafia Deep ST-1 well in Q1-2009 which had a pre-drill estimate of 3 Tcf. In August 2009, drilling commenced on a new exploration well Mohoro-1 in the Delta Rufiji. This new prospect, revealed by the seismic survey conducted in 2008 and interpreted in 2009 encountered a column of water impregnated with hydrocarbon gas but in non-commercial quantities. Pending further announcements, no wells are planned to be drilled in 2011 or 2012. Maurel & Prom hold a 40% interest and is operator. Other partners and their stake is not disclosed.
10. West Songo Songo
The West Songo Songo block (505 sq km) is located immediately west of the producing Songo Songo Gas Field (estimated reserves 1 Tcf). Water depths in the block range from islands (onshore) to shallow water regions of approximately 25m. A 2 well program is planned, with the 2nd well contingent on the success of the first well. New Seismic acquisition is planned in Q3 2009 with drilling of the 1st well in 2010. According to Aminex Plc (partner), no drilling is likely to occur in the next 2 years on this block. Partners in the block are.
The West Songo Songo block (505 sq km) is located immediately west of the producing Songo Songo Gas Field (estimated reserves 1 Tcf). Water depths in the block range from islands (onshore) to shallow water regions of approximately 25m. A 2 well program is planned, with the 2nd well contingent on the success of the first well. New Seismic acquisition is planned in Q3 2009 with drilling of the 1st well in 2010. According to Aminex Plc (partner), no drilling is likely to occur in the next 2 years on this block. Partners in the block are.
Company | Company Share |
*Key Petroleum Ltd | 50 |
Aminex plc | 50 |
Key Petroleum Ltd is seeking offers, preferably cash offers, to divest all of its interests in both the Nyuni and West Songo Songo PSA areas on the Tanzania Shelf.
11. Latham
The Latham Area is located offshore, with water depths ranging from near shore to 1,250 m. The area is on trend with, and located approximately 90 km north of the large Songo Songo gas field. Petrodel Resources (operator) plans to carry out a further 3D seismic survey offshore Latham in December 2010. The first exploration well on the block is planned to be drilled in H2 2011. Partners are,
The Latham Area is located offshore, with water depths ranging from near shore to 1,250 m. The area is on trend with, and located approximately 90 km north of the large Songo Songo gas field. Petrodel Resources (operator) plans to carry out a further 3D seismic survey offshore Latham in December 2010. The first exploration well on the block is planned to be drilled in H2 2011. Partners are,
Company | Company Share |
Petrodel Resources Ltd* | 70.1 |
Heritage Oil Ltd | 29.9 |
12. Blocks 1, 3 and 4
Block 1, 3 & 4, in offshore Tanzania cover an area of 34,760 sq km area in the Mafia Deep Offshore Basin and northern portion of the Ruvuma Basin, and are located in water depths ranging from ~ 100m to greater than 3,000m. 2D and 3D seismic data for Blocks 1, 3 and 4 was acquired in 2008. The first deep water well in Tanzania, Pweza-1 was drilled in Q3 2010 and encountered a thick section of gas bearing sands. The second well, Chewa-1, drilled on Block 4 in Q4 2010, also encountered gas in it. The 3rd well, Chaza-1, in Block 1 at a water depth of ~ 950 m also discovered gas. To date (20 June, 2011), a 3,200 sq km 3D seismic survey has been acquired in Blocks 3 and 4, and a second 3D survey of 1,800 sq km is nearing completion in Block 1. It is intended by the consortium to commence a second drilling campaign in late 2011. Partners are,
Block 1, 3 & 4, in offshore Tanzania cover an area of 34,760 sq km area in the Mafia Deep Offshore Basin and northern portion of the Ruvuma Basin, and are located in water depths ranging from ~ 100m to greater than 3,000m. 2D and 3D seismic data for Blocks 1, 3 and 4 was acquired in 2008. The first deep water well in Tanzania, Pweza-1 was drilled in Q3 2010 and encountered a thick section of gas bearing sands. The second well, Chewa-1, drilled on Block 4 in Q4 2010, also encountered gas in it. The 3rd well, Chaza-1, in Block 1 at a water depth of ~ 950 m also discovered gas. To date (20 June, 2011), a 3,200 sq km 3D seismic survey has been acquired in Blocks 3 and 4, and a second 3D survey of 1,800 sq km is nearing completion in Block 1. It is intended by the consortium to commence a second drilling campaign in late 2011. Partners are,
Company | Company Share |
Ophir Energy plc* | 40 |
BG | 60 |
13. Block 2
The total area of Block 2 is 11,099 sq kms and it lies in water depths of between 400 and 3000 mts. This is a frontier area, as no wells have been drilled this far from the coast. A 6200-km 2D seismic survey was acquired during Q1-2008. Final processed data was delivered in January 2009. According to the latest estimates by the operator, the earliest time for first drilling will be in 2011. Partners are,
The total area of Block 2 is 11,099 sq kms and it lies in water depths of between 400 and 3000 mts. This is a frontier area, as no wells have been drilled this far from the coast. A 6200-km 2D seismic survey was acquired during Q1-2008. Final processed data was delivered in January 2009. According to the latest estimates by the operator, the earliest time for first drilling will be in 2011. Partners are,
Company | Company Share |
StatoilHydro* | 65 |
ExxonMobil | 35 |
14. Discovery Blocks
Orca Exploration Group operates one license in Tanzania which comprises two blocks known as the Discovery Blocks. The license covers an area of about 170 sq km and contains the large Songo Songo gas field which is positioned on and slightly offshore Songo Songo Island (SSI). Orca intends to drill two exploration wells on the Songo Songo West prospect in H2 2011. Orca holds a 100% interest in the licence.
Orca Exploration Group operates one license in Tanzania which comprises two blocks known as the Discovery Blocks. The license covers an area of about 170 sq km and contains the large Songo Songo gas field which is positioned on and slightly offshore Songo Songo Island (SSI). Orca intends to drill two exploration wells on the Songo Songo West prospect in H2 2011. Orca holds a 100% interest in the licence.
15. Tanga Block
The Tanga Block lies northernmost coastal Tanzania, directly south of and adjoining Kenyan blocks L17 and L18 in which Afren holds a 100% interest. The licence includes onshore, shallow marine and deep marine areas. The block is covered by 200 km of legacy 2D seismic data, and 1,200 km of good quality new 2D seismic data covering mainly the deeper water area, which was acquired by Petrodel. 900 km of shallow and deeper water 2D seismic acquisition is expected to begin in Q4 2011, based upon which an exploration well might be drilled. Partners are,
The Tanga Block lies northernmost coastal Tanzania, directly south of and adjoining Kenyan blocks L17 and L18 in which Afren holds a 100% interest. The licence includes onshore, shallow marine and deep marine areas. The block is covered by 200 km of legacy 2D seismic data, and 1,200 km of good quality new 2D seismic data covering mainly the deeper water area, which was acquired by Petrodel. 900 km of shallow and deeper water 2D seismic acquisition is expected to begin in Q4 2011, based upon which an exploration well might be drilled. Partners are,
Company | Company Share |
Afren Plc* | 74 |
Petrodel Resources Ltd | 26 |
16. East Pande Block
The East Pande license lies in the coastal region of southern Tanzania covering an offshore and onshore area in excess of 7,500 sq km. The maximum water depth in the East Pande block is approximately 2,000 m. In late 2010 RAKGas (partner) acquired approximately 1,800 line km of 2D seismic in the offshore section of the block. Ophir intends to acquire a new 3D seismic survey in the offshore section of the block in 2011. Partners are,
The East Pande license lies in the coastal region of southern Tanzania covering an offshore and onshore area in excess of 7,500 sq km. The maximum water depth in the East Pande block is approximately 2,000 m. In late 2010 RAKGas (partner) acquired approximately 1,800 line km of 2D seismic in the offshore section of the block. Ophir intends to acquire a new 3D seismic survey in the offshore section of the block in 2011. Partners are,
Company | Company Share |
Ophir Energy plc* | 70 |
RAK Gas Commission | 30 |
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