Shell, QatarEnergy and NAMCOR Record Strong Oil Discovery at Merlin-1X Well in Namibia’s Orange Basin
Shell, in partnership with QatarEnergy and NAMCOR, has announced encouraging exploration results from the Merlin-1X well drilled in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 0039 offshore Namibia.
The findings mark a further step in Shell’s evaluation of the Orange Basin block, with the well successfully reaching the Coniacian geological play.
According to initial assessments, Merlin-1X delivered the strongest subsurface results recorded so far in PEL 0039, indicating good reservoir quality and light oil with relatively low associated gas compared to earlier wells in the area.
The Merlin-1X well was spudded on 8 April 2026 and represents the tenth exploration well drilled within the licence, which is operated by Shell.
The results provide additional geological insight into the basin and support ongoing efforts to evaluate the scale and commercial potential of hydrocarbon resources in the block.
Shell has indicated that it is considering further drilling activities later in 2026 as part of its continued exploration and appraisal programme.
Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Executive Vice President for Exploration, Strategy and Portfolio, said the results enhance the company’s understanding of the Orange Basin’s geological potential.
He added that Shell will continue to assess commercial viability through a structured and data-driven evaluation process, in close collaboration with its partners, the Government of Namibia, and technical teams.
