WINDHOEK, Aug. 1 — The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and its partners have commenced drilling the Volans-1X exploration well in Block PEL 85, located offshore Namibia in the Orange Basin, the company announced Thursday evening.
In a statement, NAMCOR said the drilling campaign is being conducted using the semi-submersible rig Deepsea Mira in approximately 1,200 meters of water.
The operation is expected to last around 55 days. The Volans-1X well is the third exploration well drilled in the block and aims to test a new channel fairway characterized by a sheet-like reservoir morphology, NAMCOR said.
Positioned near recent discoveries, the well could potentially unlock additional development opportunities in the basin. “This project forms part of our efforts to strengthen upstream capabilities and contribute to national development,” said Victoria Sibeya, acting managing director of NAMCOR.
Block PEL 85 is operated under a joint venture comprising Rhino Resources and Azule Energy, each holding a 42.5 percent stake.
NAMCOR holds 10 percent, while Korres Investments owns the remaining 5 percent. Drilling operations are being supported by EXCEED, which is managing well construction, and Halliburton Namibia, which is providing integrated well services.
The Orange Basin has emerged as a hotspot for global energy exploration following several major discoveries by international oil companies.
Namibia is targeting first oil production as early as 2029, with peak output projected to reach several hundred thousand barrels per day in the early 2030s. (Xinhua)
