Survey identifies deepwater potential off Tanzania

Dominion Petroleum has completed the first phase of interpretation of 2D seismic data over Tanzania’s offshore block 7.
Aug. 19, 2009
2 min read

Offshore staff

LONDON – Dominion Petroleum has completed the first phase of interpretation of 2D seismic data over Tanzania’s offshore block 7.

The 4,350 km (2,703 mi) of 2D data was acquired between late 2007 and early 2008. Analysis has revealed several large structural closures in water depths Dominion describes as suitable for most drillships and semisubmersibles.

One Palaeocene sandstone prospect in 1,520 m (4,987 ft) of water has a mapped probable closure of 103 sq km (39.7 sq mi), and could potentially hold 1,000 MMbbl of recoverable oil, the company claims.

In the southwest of neighboring Uganda, Dominion has conducted an airborne and magnetic gravity survey over the Lake Edward segment of Exploration Area 4B (EA4B). Last November, the company also completed a 2D seismic data survey that included 130 km (80.8 mi) on Lake Edward.

Preliminary interpretation has revealed the presence of a large sedimentary basin that deepens to the west and which is fragmented into various tilted blocks, similar to those that have yielded oil discoveries in the north of Lake Albert.

Under the terms of the recently extended two-year exploration period for EA4B, Dominion is committed to drill at least one exploratory well. The company is looking for a farm-in partner to reduce the risks of this program.

08/19/2009

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