Tanzania has officially put eight blocks up for grabs in its long-awaited fourth licensing round, as expected (see DI, 30 September 2013, page 7).

The seven offshore blocks are located in water depths ranging from 2,000-3,000 m (6,562-9,843 ft) and are adjacent to proven prospective blocks. The Lake Tanganyika North offshore block is located in 1,500 m (4,921 ft) of water along the western arm of the East African Rift System.

New 2D seismic data covering the blocks is available for viewing and purchase at ION Geoventures in Houston and in London. Additional data will be made available at WesternGeco’s Schlumberger offices in London. The bid round data package will be available for purchase at ION Geoventures’ offices in Houston and London immediately post-launch. In addition, bidding instructions will be made available to the public. Data viewing will be possible during and post-launch in Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corp. offices.

Tanzania resumed the launch of the fourth licensing round earlier this year (see DI, 20 May, 2013, page 4). The round will close on 15 May, 2014 after being unveiled last week.

The seven deepwater blocks each cover an average of 3,000 sq km (1,158 sq miles). The featured blocks are: 4/2A, 4/3A, 4/3B, 4/4A, 4/4B, 4/5A and 4/5B. A further two blocks will be reserved for the government (4/1B and 4/1C).