Northern Ocean Ltd has signed a N$740 million drilling contract with Rhino Resources Namibia (Pty) Ltd for its semi-submersible rig Deepsea Mira to drill the Volans-1X exploration well in Namibia’s Orange Basin. The deal covers approximately 112 firm days and is set to start in mid-July 2025.
The contract includes one firm well for Rhino and another for a second operator, with options for up to three more wells. It ensures the Mira maintains continuous operations in Namibia after its previous campaign with TotalEnergies.
Northern Ocean CEO Arne Jacobsen said the agreement reflects a strong commitment to Namibia’s offshore sector, highlighting reduced mobilisation costs, support for local content, and operational continuity. He noted it will “ensure Deepsea Mira continues its operations in Namibia,” adding that Northern Ocean and Odfjell Drilling remain the only contractor with a continuous presence in the country over the past two years.
For Rhino, the Mira is central to its exploration plans on Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 85. Volans-1X follows Capricornus-1X, drilled earlier in 2025, which encountered 38 metres of light oil net pay and put Rhino firmly on the Orange Basin map. Rhino CEO Travis Smithard called the Mira an “in-country rig of opportunity with high local content,” underlining the company’s commitment to Namibian development and local capacity.
Built in 2019, the Deepsea Mira is designed for harsh, ultra-deepwater environments, capable of drilling in depths up to 3,000 metres. Its deployment supports Namibia’s strategy to shift from frontier exploration to becoming a serious offshore producer by 2030.
Volans-1X is expected to spud in mid-to-late July 2025, with around 55 days of firm drilling planned. Success would help confirm PEL 85 as a commercial cluster, advancing Namibia toward first oil. Even if Volans does not meet expectations, Rhino has options for appraising earlier discoveries or testing new prospects, reflecting the flexibility built into its exploration strategy.
With the Mira secured and local bases in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Lüderitz supporting operations, Rhino and Northern Ocean are firmly positioned in what is shaping up to be one of Africa’s most promising energy frontiers.
