Carnarvon said today the well flow tested at rates up to 51.2 million cubic feet per day of gas and 2943 barrels of condensate per day, well in excess of expectation.

The test confirmed a quality conventional reservoir that flowed strongly without intervention and was equipment constrained.

There were insignificant levels of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, said Carnarvon.

Carnarvon’s managing director Adrian Cook said: “Our drilling results to date in the Bedout sub-basin have been extraordinary."