Galp expands oil and gas prospects in Namibia’s Orange Basin

Portuguese oil and gas company Galp has found light oil and gas condensate in the fifth well within its second exploration and appraisal programme in the Orange Basin offshore of Namibia.

The exploration was conducted on blocks 2813A and 2814B, which are governed by petroleum exploration licence (PEL) 83 partners: Galp Energia as the operator with an 80% stake, and Custos Energy and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), each with a 10% stake.

The licence is situated close to multiple other prospects and oil and gas discoveries made by global energy players such as TotalEnergies, Chevron, Shell, and Woodside Energy in an area Custos Energy says is emerging as one of the world’s most prospective oil and gas regions.

According to Galp, the Mopane-3X well in PEL83 has been drilled, cored and logged, and preliminary data indicates the presence of light oil and gas-condensate.

Furthermore, the reservoir log measures are said to confirm good porosities, high pressures, and high permeabilities. Samples were sent for lab testing, with initial fluid samples showing low oil viscosity and minimum CO2 and H2S concentrations.

“These additional discoveries in an entirely new section of Mopane further demonstrate the scale and quality of the complex. An emerging clarity on the multi-phase potential of Mopane is underpinned by this world-class asset,” says Knowledge Katti, chairman and chief executive of Custos. “We congratulate our joint venture partners on another safe and successful outing. We are uniquely positioned at the heart of this hydrocarbon province.”

Since the pressures and preliminary results at the well are higher than estimated, Galp believes this will unlock further exploration and appraisal opportunities in the southeast region of Mopane.

The collected data will now be integrated into the reservoir model to support the planning of potential further activities. The proprietary 3D development seismic acquisition campaign is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025, with processing of the information acquired to follow.