Statoil and co-venturer ExxonMobil announce its fifth discovery in Block 2 offshore Tanzania.

The discovery of an additional 2-3 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas in place in the Mronge-1 well brings the total of in-place volumes up to 17-20 Tcf in Block 2.

Mronge-1 is drilled by the drillship Discoverer Americas, and the site is located 20 kilometres north of the Zafarani discovery, and at 2,500-metre water depth.

"We have initiated a new and ambitious drilling campaign offshore Tanzania following four successful discoveries during the first drilling phase. The Mronge-1 well discovered additional gas volumes and furthers the potential for a natural gas development in Tanzania. The new drilling program also allows us to fully explore the remaining exploration potential in Block 2," says Nick Maden, senior vice president for Statoil's exploration activities in the Western hemisphere.

The Mronge-1 well discovered gas at two separate levels. The main accumulation is at the same stratigraphic level as proven in the Zafarani-1 well in Block 2. The Zafarani-1 discovery was made in 2012 and was a play opener for the block.

Tags: Statoil