TotalEnergies Expands Black Gold Exploration in Namibia’s Orange Basin

After discovering more black gold resources in Namibia’s Orange Basin, France’s energy giant TotalEnergies has moved to the next well on its drilling agenda in the African country. These drilling operations are being carried out by a semi-submersible rig, owned by Northern Ocean (NOL) and managed by Odfjell Drilling.

Exploration Well Tamboti-1X in Block 2913B

TotalEnergies resumed hydrocarbon exploration on Block 2913B in the prolific Orange Basin off the coast of Namibia, north of the Venus accumulation, with the Tamboti-1X exploration well, described as a 1 billion barrel target. The Deepsea Mira rig spud the well in October 2024.

TotalEnergies (50.5%) is the operator of Block 2913B in PEL 56, with joint venture partners QatarEnergy (30%), Africa Oil’s Impact Oil and Gas (9.5%), and Namibia’s NAMCOR (10%).

Drilling Progress and Future Prospects

Africa Oil’s Impact confirmed the completion of drilling and testing operations at the Tamboti-1X exploration well and spudding of the Marula-1X exploration in Block 2913B. The Tamboti-1X well encountered black oil within 85 meters of a net reservoir of lower-quality Upper Cretaceous sandstones.

The Marula-1X exploration well in the southern part of Block 2913B targets Albian-aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex. The JV expects to drill the Olympe prospect on Block 2912 by the end of 2025.

Development of Venus Field

TotalEnergies and partners continue to progress the proposed development of the Venus field, with development studies ongoing. The Venus field is expected to produce 150,000 barrels of oil per day, with a final investment decision expected by the end of the first half of 2026.

CEO Roger Tucker’s Comments

Roger Tucker, Africa Oil’s President and CEO, expressed optimism about the Venus project, Marula-1X operations, and the plan to drill Olympe-1X well. Impact retains the upside to these assets with TotalEnergies covering development and exploration expenditures until first commercial production from Venus.