France’s energy major, TotalEnergies, is advancing its oil exploration efforts in Namibia’s Orange Basin following recent discoveries of additional hydrocarbon resources. The company has moved on to its next drilling target, utilizing the Deepsea Mira, a semi-submersible rig owned by Northern Ocean (NOL) and managed by Odfjell Drilling.
Drilling operations resumed on Block 2913B, situated offshore Namibia, with the Tamboti-1X exploration well, a prospect estimated to hold approximately one billion barrels of oil. The well was spudded in October 2024 as part of TotalEnergies’ broader exploration campaign. The company operates the block with a 50.5% stake, alongside partners QatarEnergy (30%), Africa Oil’s Impact Oil and Gas (9.5%), and Namibia’s national oil company, NAMCOR (10%).
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Oil potential
Following the completion of drilling and testing at Tamboti-1X, Africa Oil’s Impact confirmed the start of drilling at Marula-1X, also located in Block 2913B. Analysis of the Tamboti-1X well revealed the presence of black oil within an 85-meter net reservoir of Upper Cretaceous sandstones, though of lower quality. A drill stem test (DST) was conducted, with data currently under review.
Drilling of the Marula-1X exploration well began on February 3, 2025, in the southern part of the block. This well aims to assess Albian-aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex, with the potential to unlock additional exploration opportunities in the region, particularly in the prolific Kudu source-rock kitchen.
Looking ahead, the joint venture partners plan to drill the Olympe prospect on Block 2912, targeting Albian sandstones within a structural closure, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2025. These developments could significantly enhance Namibia’s offshore oil potential.
