Offshore staff

STAVANGER, Norway – Statoil says there are indications of natural gas in its Zafarani-1 well in block 2 offshore Tanzania.

The drillship Ocean Rig Poseidon spudded the well in early January, around 80 km (49.7 mi) from mainland Tanzania. Drilling could take up to three months to complete.

This is the first exploration well on the licence which covers an area of around 5,500 sq km (2,123 sq mi). Water depth at the well site is 2,582 m (8,471 ft), and the well has a planned TD of 5,150 m (16,896 ft).

Statoil operates the license on block 2, which it was awarded in 2007, on behalf of Tanzania Petroleum Development Corp. (TPDC). The company has a 65% interest, the remainder held by ExxonMobil.

2/17/2012