The 2P reserves (proven and probable) also lifted 12.5% to 74.6 million barrels and 3P reserves (proven, probable, possible) were up 6.1% to 83.1MMbbl.

The reserves increase was made following successful results at Crux-3 and Crux-4, which have been suspended as future liquids development wells.

Nexus managing director, Ian Tchacos said the higher reserves were a significant boost for the Crux liquids project.

"It also provides a very positive outlook for the near field exploration program planned for the AC/P23 and AC/P41 permits," he said.

"Success in drilling within AC/P41 has the potential to define a LNG project scale gas resource at Crux as well as additional liquids reserves which could be incorporated into the Crux liquids project."

Both the Crux-3 and Crux-4 wells intersected previously unseen younger Montara Formation gas-charged sand overlying the older Plover and Nome Formation sands, which were seen in the earlier Crux-1, Crux-2 and Crux-2 ST-1 wells.

The Crux-4 well successfully appraised the previously undrilled southeast horst block in the field.

Results from these wells have been incorporated in an updated top reservoir map, which highlights the potential for the Libra and Auriga prospects to form part of a much larger Crux accumulation.

This will be tested by the upcoming Libra-1 well to be drilled in exploration permit AC/P41, scheduled to spud in May.