Massive oil and gas field confirmed off SA coastline

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Total SA on Thursday announced that it has identified a massive oil and gas field off the Western Cape coastline.

“We are very pleased to announce the Brulpadda discovery, which was drilled in a challenging deep-water environment,” said Kevin McLachlan, the company’s senior vice president of exploration.

He confirmed that the oil giant is now “well-positioned to test several follow-on prospects” at the find off Mossel Bay about 300 kilometres east of Cape Town.

Total drilled about 175 kilometers offshore to a depth of more than 3,600 meters. The company now plans to acquire 3D seismic data before drilling as many as four more exploration wells at the field.

Niall Kramer, CEO of the South African Oil and Gas Alliance, described the discovery as “catalytic”, noting that it was the first deep water discovery in South African history.

The field with estimated volumes of about one billion barrels has drawn interest from explorers including Exxon Mobil and Eni SpA, which also hold stakes in South Africa’s waters.

South Africa is due to introduce new oil and gas legislation later this year aimed at encouraging exploration.
-0- PANA CU/MA 7Feb2019