OMV Discovers Gas in Pakistan

OMV announced the discovery of gas and condensate in the Sofiya-2 exploration well in the Mehar exploration license. The presence of hydrocarbons was proven through wireline logging and testing operations.

During testing, a total of 18 mn scf/d of gas plus an additional 1,550 barrels of condensate (Gross 4,500 boe/d) flowed from the Ranikot formation.

The Sofiya-2 exploration well is located in the Mehar exploration license in the Sindh Province of Pakistan, around 10 km north of the Mehar gas and condensate field. OMV Maurice Energy Limited holds a 75% share in the exploration license; joint venture partners are Government Holding Private Limited (GHPL, 5%), Ocean Pakistan Limited (15%), and Zaver Petroleum Company (5%).

Sofiya-2 tested a total of 18 mn scf/d of gas plus an additional 1,550 barrels of condensate (combined 4,500 boe/d gross) which flowed from the Ranikot formation through a 48/64” choke. Further appraisal work will be required to confirm the size of the discovery.

The new discovery’s proximity to the Mehar field provides the opportunity of using the Mehar gas and condensate plant for processing. The Mehar field development is in its mechanical completion phase; production start-up is expected in Q4/13.

Jaap Huijskes, OMV Executive Board member responsible for Exploration and Production: “We are very pleased with this result. It provides the opportunity to utilize the Mehar gas plant for processing of Sofiya gas and condensate, which should enable cost-effective and accelerated development of this new discovery. This discovery adds value to the Petronas acquisition in 2011, which is an important part of our growth strategy in Pakistan.”

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LNG World News Staff, August 29, 2013; Image: OMV