Increased recoverable resource range of between 15 and 30+ trillion cubic feet

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation have announced the successful Barquentine-3 appraisal well encountered more than 662 net feet (202m) of natural gas pay in two high-quality Oligocene-aged fan systems, significantly expanding the estimated recoverable resource range to between 15 and 30+ trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas, with an estimated 30 to 50+ Tcf of natural gas in place. Barquentine-3 marks the sixth successful penetration in the complex that includes the Windjammer, Lagosta, Barquentine and Camarão discoveries.

“The positive results of each appraisal well that we have drilled and analysed have continued to increase our estimate of recoverable resources and natural gas in place on our block, and to add to our confidence that this could be one of the most important natural gas fields discovered in the last 10 years, with significant long-term benefits for Mozambique," said Anadarko Chairman and CEO Jim Hackett. In parallel, we ve continued to advance an expandable LNG (liquefied natural gas) development that will support this world-class field. This is great news for Mozambique, as our ongoing activities will continue to spur meaningful investment in the region, generate significant revenue for the government and offer a multitude of opportunities for the people of Mozambique.

High-quality rock

Anadarko President and Chief Operating Officer, Al Walker added, "The results of Barquentine-3 indicate that we continue to encounter very thick sands with high-quality rock throughout these massive, connected reservoirs. Recoverable resources of this size and quality are perfectly suited for a large-scale LNG development, which is currently being designed to consist of at least two trains with the flexibility to expand to six trains. We also plan to leverage our experience with Independence Hub by constructing an offshore hub facility that will be tied back to the LNG plant onshore. We are already nearing the completion of the pre-FEED (front-end engineering and design) activity and expect to begin FEED work in the near future. Simultaneously, we have analysed our two new 3D seismic datasets and are excited to have the rig commitments in place to continue our appraisal work while accelerating our exploration activities, including testing a growing number of high-potential prospects in other areas of the Offshore Area 1."

Anadarko is in the process of mobilizing the Deepwater Millennium drillship to accelerate its activity in the Offshore Area 1. The company also recently signed a four-year contract extension that will keep the Belford Dolphin drillship working in the basin as part of its ongoing programme.

The Barquentine-3 appraisal well was drilled to a total depth of approximately 13,400 feet (4,084 m) in water depths of approximately 5,170 feet (1,575 m). The well is located approximately 2.75 miles (4.4 km) southeast of the Barquentine discovery well and approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 km) south of the Barquentine-2 appraisal well. The partnership will preserve Barquentine-3 for use as a monitor well during its upcoming testing program. The drillship will next move to top set the Barquentine-4 appraisal well.

In Puntland, Somalia, Horn Petroleum Corp ready to commence two well drilling campaign, with first well (Shabeel-1) planned to spud in December 2011

Drilling locations have been selected over two robust prospects targeting gross best estimated prospective resources of over 300 million barrels each, based on internal operator estimates.

Horn has completed sourcing drilling related materials and the majority of these materials are on site or on route to the drilling site. Preparation works including the drill site, air strip and ingress route construction have been completed. Water wells are currently being drilled to provide source water for drilling operations. 

A Transocean rig originally scheduled to work for Anadarko in Brazil has stayed in Ghana instead, according to the Switzerland-based driller’s latest status report