Shell Hits Tanzanian Duster: Ophir

Ophir and its joint venture partners Shell and Singapore's Pavilion Energy, have concluded the drilling of two exploration wells offshore Tanzania but found no hydrocarbons, Ophir said in a London Stock Exchange announcement December 29. The programme comprised Kitatange-1 in Block 1 and Bunju-1 in Block 4. After evaluation, Shell, the operator of Blocks 1 and 4, has confirmed that good quality reservoir was encountered in both wells but no oil or gas.

The Noble Globetrotter 2 rig has been demobilised from site, Ophir said, adding that the two wells fulfil the final exploration commitments set in the exploration licences issued by Tanzania's energy ministry. 

Subsequent to the completion of drilling Kitatange-1, a bridging licence has been awarded for the existing discovery locations in Block 1.  

William Powell