IN a major step towards strengthening Tanzania’s energy security and industrial growth, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) has participated in a comprehensive inspection and testing exercise of a state-of-the-art gas drilling rig in Tianjin, China.

The gir will be deployed later this year to drill three high-potential natural gas wells in the Mnazi Bay Block, Mtwara Region.

The exercise marks a key milestone in Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to expand domestic gas production capacity in line with national development goals and growing energy demands, especially for power generation and industrial processing.

According to PURA, the rig—capable of drilling to depths of up to 8,000 metres—will be used to drill three wells named MS-2, MB-5, and Kasa-1x. These wells are anticipated to boost the country’s natural gas output by more than 30 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), reinforcing Mnazi Bay's strategic role in Tanzania’s gas landscape.

PURA officials, together with engineers and project stakeholders, conducted a rigorous verification process to ensure the mechanical integrity, operational safety, and efficiency of the rig before its shipment to Tanzania. The inspection included system trials of onboard machinery, safety controls, and pressure testing of pipelines that will be used in the drilling phase.

“Rig inspection and functional testing is a critical phase in ensuring the success of upstream petroleum projects,” said a PURA spokesperson. “Our role as a regulator is not just to observe but to ensure that every component meets international standards and the national regulatory framework.”

The inspection mission also reflects Tanzania’s commitment to maintaining high levels of transparency and accountability in its extractive industries. By engaging early in the process, PURA aims to minimise operational risks, ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, and enhance project readiness ahead of drilling commencement slated for November 2025.

Mnazi Bay, located in southern Tanzania near the border with Mozambique, is one of the country’s most productive gas fields. It currently supplies natural gas to power plants in Mtwara and Dar es Salaam, supporting both industrial and domestic electricity demand. 

With the upcoming drilling programme, Tanzania aims to increase output to meet growing domestic needs and potentially expand export capacity in the future. The move aligns with the national strategy to reduce reliance on imported fuels and fast-track the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

According to data from the Ministry of Energy, Tanzania holds an estimated 57.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas reserves. However, current production levels remain below their potential due to underdeveloped infrastructure and capital-intensive exploration requirements. The new drilling campaign in Mnazi Bay is part of broader efforts to unlock this potential.

The project is also expected to create employment opportunities and enhance the skills of local technical personnel through knowledge transfer and training programmes. PURA has committed to working with project partners to ensure Tanzanian professionals are engaged throughout the drilling operations.

In line with the Petroleum Act and Tanzania’s Local Content Policy, the rig operation and associated services will incorporate local contractors and suppliers wherever possible. Environmental and social safeguards will also be strictly enforced, with ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with national and international best practices.