TotalEnergies makes fresh oil discovery in Namibia’s ‘golden’ block
French supermajor's latest probe in Orange basin finds hydrocarbons and offers bonus at deeper level
TotalEnergies has made another oil discovery offshore Namibia, although it is too early to say if the find is commercial.
The ultra-deepwater exploration probe, said well-watchers, was also drilled deeper to intercept a northern extension of the supermajor’s huge Venus discovery.
TotalEnergies Mangetti-1X probe is being drilled in Block 2913B by the drillship Tungsten Explorer and was targeting a prospect located at a shallower geological depth than Venus.
Three sources indicated to Upstream that the probe hit oil at Mangetti — possibly in two reservoirs — and was also successful in hitting the Venus reservoir.
One source said the supermajor is “assessing” the results, with logging underway towards the end of last month.
Another Namibia observer added that TotalEnergies may want to drill an appraisal well on Mangetti which, given the cost of drilling in waters three kilometres deep, would suggest the operator has a positive view on the discovery.
Assuming a delineation well is needed, the supermajor’s exploration team will be working on where best to locate this probe so it has the best chance of drilling into Mangetti’s sweet spot.
According to Namibia's authorities, Venus holds 5 billion barrels of oil in place, of whcih 2 billion barrels are recoverable.
Tungsten Explorer is one of two rigs working in the Venus area, with semi-submersible rig DeepSea Mira currently drilling ahead on the Venus-2A appraisal well, after wrapping up Venus-1A in December.
Venus-2A is located four kilometres north of the first appraisal well and 24 kilometres southeast of Mangetti-1X.
TotalEnergies — which will release its fourth quarter and full-year results on 7 February — was approached for comment.
As for future exploration in Block 2913B, Roger Tucker, chief executive of Africa Oil — which holds a major stake in Venus partner Impact Oil & Gas — said last month at a Pareto conference that 3D seismic is currently being acquired right across the acreage and over prospects mapped with 2D seismic.
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