Shell Completes Namibia Offshore Exploration Campaign as Orange Basin Oil Potential Grows
Shell has completed its latest offshore exploration campaign in Namibia, marking another milestone in the company’s ongoing evaluation of one of Africa’s most promising emerging oil regions.
The company’s Deepsea Mira semi-submersible rig completed operations on July 2 after beginning the campaign in April.
Shell decided not to exercise an option for an additional exploration well under the current contract, with the rig now moving to Walvis Bay for planned upgrades before returning to the offshore drilling market.
The completion of the drilling programme does not signal a withdrawal from Namibia. Shell continues to assess the potential of its Petroleum Exploration Licence 39 (PEL 39) in the Orange Basin, where the company and its partners QatarEnergy and NAMCOR are evaluating several discoveries.
Recent results from the Merlin-1X exploration well provided encouraging data, with Shell reporting improved understanding of the block’s geology, strong reservoir quality, light oil, and lower associated gas levels compared with earlier findings in the licence area.
Namibia has attracted significant global attention following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin, with international energy companies continuing exploration efforts to determine the commercial potential of its resources.
Shell’s continued evaluation of PEL 39 highlights Namibia’s growing importance as an emerging oil and gas frontier.
Further appraisal activity and investment decisions will depend on ongoing technical studies and assessments of commercial viability.
