Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has discovered a gas field in deep water, about 145 kilometres off the coast of Gabon, west coast of Central Africa.

The company’s Leopard-1 well, for which it holds a 75 percent interest, encountered a substantial gas column, with 200 meters net gas pay in a pre-salt reservoir.

“Shell has been exploring in Gabon for over 50 years. This latest deep water discovery is a testament to the innovation of our explorers in pursuing new plays, and application of our global sub-surface expertise,” said Andy Brown, Shell Upstream International Director.

He added that Shell was proud to be sharing the success with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the Dutch company’s partner, owner of the remaining 25 percent stake in the licence.

Shell says it now plans an appraisal program to further determine resource volumes.