Two major operators offshore Namibia have unveiled plans for further exploration and appraisal drilling in the Orange basin, following closely after Shell spudded a key appraisal well.

Chevron's Exploration Plans

Chevron is moving to the next phase of its exploration programme in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 90. After completing its first, unsuccessful probe (Kapana-1X) in January 2025, the company has been integrating seismic and well data. It now plans to drill the Nabba-1X exploration well in late 2026, a decision described as a testament to confidence in Namibia's offshore potential.

Rhino Resources' Appraisal Drilling

Privately owned Rhino Resources, following a positive appraisal well on its Volans discovery in February, has committed to drilling a delineation well on its Capricornus discovery in PEL 85. The company's CEO stated the Capricornus-1A appraisal well will be drilled in the coming weeks. A rig contract for this campaign includes one firm well with extension options.

Current and Future Activity

Currently, the only active rig in Namibian waters is the semi-submersible Deepsea Mira, which is drilling Shell's Merlin-1X appraisal well in PEL 39. Looking ahead, Namibia's Petroleum Commissioner noted that Chevron is reprocessing 3D seismic on PEL 82 in the Walvis basin, with hopes for a new exploration well there in 2027—which would be the basin's first wildcat in about a decade.