Rhino Resources has launched a new offshore drilling campaign in Namibia’s Orange Basin, targeting the potential expansion of its Capricornus oil discovery under Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL 85).
The company, which operates the block with a 42.5% working interest, is drilling the Capricornus-1A appraisal well using the Saipem 12000 drillship. Joint venture partners include Azule Energy with 42.5%, national oil company NAMCOR with 10%, and Korres Investments with 5%.
The Capricornus-1A well is aimed at testing the lateral extent of the light oil accumulation discovered at Capricornus-1X, while also assessing reservoir quality and fluid characteristics within Lower Cretaceous targets.
The well forms part of a broader programme by the joint venture to advance understanding of the PEL 85 licence area, which has emerged as one of the more prospective offshore blocks in Namibia’s Orange Basin following recent exploration successes.
Rhino Resources chief executive officer Travis Smithard said the appraisal well will play a key role in determining the development potential of the discovery.
“The Capricornus-1A well represents a critical data point in defining the development potential of the Capricornus reservoir system and its potential integration with other discoveries made on PEL 85,” Smithard said.
He said data gathered from wireline logging and drill stem testing would be analysed alongside flow assurance, geomechanical and fluid characteristics to guide next steps.
“These fluid and dynamic datasets will assist in our ongoing evaluation of the Capricornus discovery and, together with insights from recent wells, will help inform our approach to the further appraisal and development of the broader acreage in collaboration with our partners Azule Energy, NAMCOR and Korres Investments,” Smithard said.
The latest drilling campaign underscores continued momentum in Namibia’s offshore oil exploration sector, where companies are moving beyond initial discoveries towards appraisal and development planning in the Orange Basin.
