Tanzania Petroleum notes with interest the latest activity update from Maurel et Prom Exploration Production Tanzania Ltd (M&P), operator of the Mnazi Bay gas-producing field located in the Mtwara Region.
M&P has confirmed that preparations are progressing for the drilling of three gas wells, scheduled to begin in Q4 2025.
The company also announced that the major contracts required to initiate the campaign have been awarded, indicating that it is on track to commence drilling operations as planned in Q4 2025.
Since Q4 spans October to December, October may be an optimistic target, while December appears to be a more realistic timeline for the start of drilling.
Although the update did not disclose the expected duration of the drilling program, based on our market knowledge, we understand that the wells at Mnazi Bay are relatively shallow, and therefore, would not take too long to drill.
Based on our industry experience, our assumption is that the drilling of the three wells at Mnazi Bay would take approximately six to nine months.
The update also confirmed that natural gas production at Mnazi Bay has reached 58.7 million standard cubic feet per day (mmcfd)—a 9% increase compared to the second half of 2024.
This highlights the continued rise in gas demand in Tanzania, even as hydropower generation also gains momentum.
Drilling Is Now Only a Few Months Away.
M&P has already conducted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project, and with the main contracts awarded, it appears that very little remains before drilling can begin on the three new natural gas wells.
All eyes are now on December 2025, which is being watched closely as the likely start date—just a few months away.
This drilling project represents a major achievement—not only for M&P in ensuring that the Mnazi Bay field maintains its production plateau, but also as a demonstration of Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening its oil and gas operations and positioning itself as a regional energy hub.
Tanzania Petroleum will continue to monitor this exciting and strategically important project, and we will bring you further coverage and analysis in due course.
