Namibia’s National Petroleum Corporation (NAMCOR) made a discovery of light oil in the Jonker-1X deepwater exploration well, located offshore approximately 270 km off the Namibian coast. The exploration was carried out in partnership with QatarEnergy and Shell (operator).
The well was drilled in the Orange Basin, Block 2913A and 2914B (PEL 0039) using the Odfjell semisubmersible rig Deepsea Bollsta to a depth of 6168 m in a water depth of 2210 m.
This discovery marks the third successful well drilled by Shell in the area within a year. The data collected during the exploration is currently being evaluated to determine the recoverable resources and size potential of the discovery.
“The encouraging results from the well are a geological testimony of the significant hydrocarbon potential in the deepwater play of the Orange Basin,” said Victoria Sibeya, NAMCOR’s executive, upstream exploration. “We look forward to the appraisal activities and our collaborative relationship with our joint venture partners and our shareholder, the Government of the Republic of Namibia, to fully assess the commerciality of this discovery.”
Partners in the find include Shell Namibia B.V. (45%), QatarEnergy (45%), and NAMCOR (10%).
“We are delighted to announce this third oil discovery after the success of the Graff-1X and Venus-1X discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies in 2022,” said Immanuel Mulunga, managing director of NAMCOR. “This discovery has proven the exciting and world-class potential of the deepwater Orange Basin.”