Shell has chartered the semi-submersible rig Deepsea Mira for a potential two-well drilling campaign in its Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 39 offshore Namibia, scheduled to begin in April 2026.

Campaign Details and Context

The campaign involves a firm contract for a 45-day well, with an option for a second well. While the specific nature of the firm well is assumed to be exploration, this has not been officially confirmed. This new drilling activity follows Shell's earlier assessment that its multiple oil discoveries in the block, including the Graff and Jonker finds, were not economically viable for development. Despite this, the company has committed to further exploration studies on the licence.

Strategic Significance

The decision to drill again is driven by the exploration potential of PEL 39, which is situated adjacent to acreage where other companies—TotalEnergies, Galp Energia, and Rhino Resources—have made major hydrocarbon discoveries. Shell's country chair for Namibia described the upcoming campaign as an important milestone in the company's commitment to exploring Namibia's offshore potential and supporting the country's energy ambitions.