Niël Terblanché
The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has announced an escalation in its offshore exploration activities, aiming to capitalise on recent substantial oil discoveries in the Orange Basin.
In collaboration with joint venture partners, Namcor plans to drill four exploration and appraisal wells in Petroleum Exploration Licence areas (PELs) 56, 83, 85, and 90 between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
According to the spokesperson of Namcor, Paulo Coelho, the initiative follows a series of successful discoveries since 2022, which have positioned Namibia as a growing player in the global oil industry.
In February 2022, TotalEnergies announced a significant light oil discovery in the Venus prospect, located in Block 2913B of the Orange Basin.
The Venus-1X well encountered approximately 84 metres of net oil pay in a high-quality Lower Cretaceous reservoir, marking a pivotal moment in Namibia’s exploration history.
In the same year, Shell reported a major light oil discovery with the Graff-1X well in Block 2913A, also within the Orange Basin.
This discovery was followed by the La Rona-1 and Jonker-1X wells, further confirming the basin’s rich hydrocarbon potential.
These findings have attracted significant international interest, with major oil companies recognising Namibia’s offshore prospects.
According to Coelho, the upcoming drilling campaign by Namcor and its partners is informed by insights gained from recent well data and newly acquired 3D seismic surveys.
He added that these advanced geophysical techniques have enhanced the understanding of subsurface structures, enabling more precise targeting of potential hydrocarbon accumulations.
Coelho said that beyond the Orange Basin, NAMCOR is actively evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of other offshore regions, including the Lüderitz, Walvis, and Namibe Basins.
While no drilling is currently planned in these areas, ongoing geophysical and geological studies aim to de-risk and assess their prospectivity.
This comprehensive approach underscores NAMCOR’s commitment to diversifying Namibia’s upstream portfolio and ensuring long-term energy security.
Onshore, the exploration of the Kavango Basin in PEL 73 continues, with drilling campaigns assessing its hydrocarbon potential.
This basin has garnered attention due to its geological similarities with prolific oil-producing regions, offering Namibia another avenue to bolster its energy resources.
Coelho said that the intensified exploration efforts align with the Namibian government’s vision to transform the country into a significant oil producer.
The anticipated economic benefits include job creation, increased foreign investment, and enhanced energy security.
The global energy landscape is closely monitoring Namibia’s progress. The Orange Basin’s discoveries could potentially reshape the dynamics of oil production in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Coelho, the planned drilling activities in the Orange Basin and ongoing evaluations of other basins reflect Namcor’s strategic commitment to unlocking the nation’s hydrocarbon potential while adhering to principles of sustainability and economic development.
