OMV Aktiengesellschaft has announced a discovery and successful testing of gas in its Tajjal 1 exploration well in the Gambat Exploration Block in Northern Sindh province/Pakistan. This is an area where OMV has discovered two major gas fields, Miano and Sawan, which were brought on stream in 2001 and 2003. The new discovery by OMV (Pakistan) Exploration GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of OMV, is the second this year after the announced Latif discovery in March. Both discoveries confirm the potential for further reserves in this area. The exploration well reached a final depth of 3,845 m and encountered a total of 21 m net gas pay in three layers at depths of 3,600 to 3,800 m. Further appraisal activities for the area like the drilling of additional wells are envisaged.
Helmut Langanger, OMV Executive Board member responsible for Exploration and Production stated: "I am delighted about this second discovery in our Middle East core region within only a few months. It confirms the significant potential of this block and allows us to integrate the new discovery in our existing infrastructure. This enables us to proceed with our plans for further growth in Pakistan.”
Out of the three layers the main was successfully tested in the beginning of May 2007 confirming the potential of the new discovery. Test results show that the well is capable of flowing around 3,400 boe/d (approx. 20 mn scf/d) from the tested zone. However, the actual flow potential and size of the field will be determined after a long term test and appraisal of the field.
The drilling rig has moved off and planning for further evaluations and production testing are ongoing. OMV is the operator of a joint venture with the partners Eni AEP Limited (Eni), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) and Government Holdings (Private) Ltd (GHPL).
Strategic position
The new discovery is located approximately 15 km from the existing infrastructure of the Sawan field, which sits conveniently between the markets of the two Pakistani gas suppliers, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd. and Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd., enabling OMV to deliver to both networks. In adding new reserves through exploration activities in this area OMV strengthens its position as strategic hub.
OMV in Pakistan
OMV is the biggest international natural gas producer in terms of operated volumes in Pakistan. As the operator of the Sawan and Miano gas fields, as well as the Kadanwari processing facilities, OMV is now responsible for operating more than 100,000 boe/d (600 mn scf/d) covering approximately 16% of Pakistan’s demand for natural gas. The total daily net production of OMV in Pakistan amounts to approximately 19,100 boe/d (115 mn scf/d).