Ophir Energy said today it had extended a drilling rig contract with partner BG Group to continue their 2013-2014 offshore programme in Tanzania.
London-listed Ophir and BG have shared the drillship for their Tanzania exploration programmes since December 26, 2011.
Both firms had a string of successful discoveries off the coast of Tanzania last year.
The contract for the Deepsea Metro I drillship was due to expire in June and the 18-month extension period will be used to drill a combination of wells for both firms in Tanzania and Kenya.
Ophir said that both companies had saved on the considerable cost of mobilising a drillship from another region and had been able to reduce their drilling day rate.
Nick Cooper, chief executive of Ophir, said: “We are very pleased to secure the extension of the Deepsea Metro I drillship. This will provide continuous exploration and appraisal activities in Tanzania through 2013 and 2014.”