Portuguese energy company Galp Energia has significantly boosted its oil reserves in Namibia’s offshore Orange Basin, adding approximately 700 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) to its 3C contingent resources. This increase represents a 25% year-on-year rise, bringing the total to 2.79 billion boe.
The updated resource estimates were independently verified by global consultancy DeGolyer and MacNaughton, based on data collected up to 30 November 2024.
“3C contingent resources increased 25% year-on-year to 2,790 mboe, mainly due to the successful exploration and appraisal campaign in Namibia,” Galp announced.
The discoveries were made under Petroleum Exploration Licence 83 (PEL 83), covering nearly 10,000 square kilometres in Namibia’s southern offshore region.
Galp holds an 80% operating stake, while Namcor (Namibia’s national oil company) and Custos Energy each hold 10%.
The appraisal campaign included drilling at Mopane-1X, Mopane-2X, and partial results from Mopane-1A. These wells revealed significant hydrocarbon reserves.
The first phase of drilling comprised two exploration wells and a drill stem test (DST), which identified extensive light oil and gas condensate columns in high-quality reservoir sands.
Data from these wells showed strong porosity and permeability, with fluid samples indicating low-viscosity oil, minimal carbon dioxide, and no hydrogen sulphide.
A second exploration phase began in October 2024, focusing on the northwest of the Mopane complex with the Mopane-1A and Mopane-2A wells, both completed by year-end. In early 2025, Galp drilled the Mopane-3X well in the southeastern part of the complex, which targeted two stacked prospects.
The well encountered light oil and condensates in both primary targets and in a deeper sandstone layer.
“Preliminary data confirms light oil and condensate columns in high-quality sandstone reservoirs with strong pressures, high permeabilities, and excellent porosities,” Galp stated. ,
“The Mopane-3X results confirm the potential of the southeast region and pave the way for further appraisal activity.”
The Mopane complex has consistently shown high reservoir quality and strong flow results. Early dynamic testing recorded flows reaching the permitted maximum of 14,000 boe per day, with fluid samples continuing to exhibit low viscosity and minimal impurities.
In March 2025, Galp completed a proprietary high-resolution 3D seismic survey over the southern portion of PEL 83. The survey aims to refine subsurface models and support future development strategies.
“Galp’s immediate focus is on analysing and integrating data from the exploration campaign. Accurate interpretation is essential for evaluating development feasibility,” the company noted. “We are mindful of how the Mopane discovery may influence Galp’s broader portfolio and sustainability objectives.”
The company is now evaluating cumulative results from the five wells drilled so far, which will inform future development concepts for both the northwest and southeast zones of the Mopane complex.
