The data from logging operations confirms the oil shows detected while drilling through the Ridan sands from about 1070-1100m.

"The good oil shows and possible oil column in the Ridan sand are an encouraging outcome at Markisa-1," Tap chief executive officer Peter Stickland said.

"Further evaluation will be required to determine the appropriate next steps to understand the reservoir quality and establish whether the reservoir is productive. Only then will we be able to assess the volumetric implications of what Markisa-1 has encountered."

He added the results provided strong support for Tap's ongoing efforts in Brunei and that even a modest oil discovery could be rapidly commercialised due to close proximity to processing and export facilities.

Markisa-1 was drilled to a total depth of 1300m by the MB Century Rig 104.

Shallower objectives in the well had proven to be disappointing after wireline, pressure and sampling data indicated these were water-wet.