Swiss-based West African explorer Adax Petroleum has discovered oil and gas offshore Nigeria for a third time, with block OML137 showing “potential for signficant gas exports”.

The Ofrima-2 exploration well, drilled on the Ofrima North structure, discovered a 140-foot gross oil bearing interval 7,000 ft below the seabed. Pressure data points to light, 39-degree API oil akin to crude in the neighbouring Okwori and Nda fields. The well also struck through gas columns of 29 ft and 158 ft above and below the oil bearing strata.

The Udele-2 well was drilled on the heels of Ofrima North and discovered seven gas columns of between 41 ft and 113 ft at depths of between 2,700 ft and 5,900 ft. beloe the seabed.

Saipem’s Scarabeo 3 semi-submersible drilling rig rendered the work in water some 225 feet deep.

Flow tests will go in when the Scarabeo rig is back from inspections.