Anadarko’s well offshore Mozambique increases estimated recoverable resource to 15-30 tcf

Anadarko Petroleum announced the successful Barquentine-3 appraisal well encountered more than 662 net ft (202 meters) of natural gas pay, significantly expanding the estimated recoverable resource range to 15 to 30+ trillion cubic ft (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 Camarao discoveries.

“The positive results of each appraisal well that we have drilled and analyzed have continued to increase our estimate of recoverable resources and natural gas in place on our block, and to add to our confidence, this could be one of the most important natural gas fields discovered in the last 10 years, with significant long-term benefits for Mozambique,” Jim Hackett, Anadarko chairman and CEO, said.

Anadarko President and COO 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. Simultaneously, we have analyzed 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 Transocean’s 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 Dolphin Drilling Ltd’s Belford Dolphin semisubmersible  working in the basin as part of its ongoing program.

The Barquentine-3 appraisal well was drilled to a total depth of approximately 13,400 ft (4,084 meters) in water depths of approximately 5,170 ft (1,575 meters). The well is 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.