Rhino Resources’ Volans-1X is the 17th pure exploration well in the Orange Basin since 2022, reflecting Namibia’s 88% success rate in offshore drilling.
Among these 17 wells, 15 have encountered notable hydrocarbon discoveries.
These include Shell’s Graff-1X, La Rona-1X, Jonker-1X, and Lesedi-1X; TotalEnergies’ Venus-1X, Venus-1A, and Mangetti-1X; Galp’s Mopane-1X and Mopane-2X; Rhino Resources’ Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X; as well as successful follow-up wells by partners operating on PEL 39, PEL 56, and PEL 83—an impressive 88% success rate.
Among these are Shell’s Graff-1X, La Rona-1X, Jonker-1X, and Lesedi-1X; TotalEnergies’ Venus-1X, Venus-1A, and Mangetti-1X; Galp’s Mopane-1X and Mopane-2X; Rhino Resources’ Sagittarius-1X and Capricornus-1X; as well as successful follow-up wells by partners operating on PEL 39, PEL 56, and PEL 83.
Rhino Resources Ltd has entered a new phase of exploration in Namibia’s offshore Orange Basin, announcing the spudding of its third exploration well—Volans-1X—on Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL 85).
This well is the latest addition to a series of high-impact campaigns that have reshaped Namibia’s offshore oil landscape, placing Rhino alongside industry giants such as Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp.
Rhino Resources deepens exploration on PEL 85
This milestone marks another step in the company’s accelerated efforts to unlock the petroleum potential of the basin’s underexplored southern blocks.
Discovery history
The journey began with Rhino’s acquisition of PEL 85, covering a vast offshore area in the southern portion of the Orange Basin.
Initial studies, including the reprocessing of legacy 2D seismic data and regional structural mapping, indicated a series of deepwater fan systems and stratigraphic closures similar to those observed in discoveries further north.
Encouraged by these indications and the regional success of majors like Shell, TotalEnergies, and Galp, Rhino mobilised a multi-well exploration programme to test these targets.
From Sagittarius to Capricornus
The first well, Sagittarius-1X, was spudded on 18 December 2024. It reached total depth by 6 February 2025 and successfully intersected a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir with no observed water contact—evidence of an active petroleum system within PEL 85.
Although flow testing was not conducted, the well proved the presence of hydrocarbons and laid the foundation for further appraisal.
In February 2025, Rhino drilled the second well, Capricornus-1X.
This provided a significant breakthrough.
It tested light oil at flow rates exceeding 11,000 barrels per day, encountered a high-quality reservoir with approximately 38 metres of net pay, and showed minimal gas and no water contact—pointing to a robust oil column.
The result bolstered confidence in the commercial viability of PEL 85.
The strategic intent behind Volans‑1X and basin-wide modelling is now underway.
Volans-1X is strategically located to build on the geological insights gained from its predecessors.
The well is designed to delineate the extent of the play, evaluate reservoir continuity, and enhance the company’s subsurface model for the block.
According to Rhino, drilling operations are progressing with a focus on safe, environmentally responsible operations, supported entirely by Namibian-based logistics, construction services, and equipment.
Local partnerships and environmental focus
CEO Travis Smithard underscored the importance of this latest campaign: “With the Volans-1X exploration well, Rhino and our partners are strategically advancing our understanding of PEL 85’s potential.”
He added that the company remains committed to local content development and environmental stewardship.
Rhino Resources operates PEL 85 as the majority interest holder and technical lead, in partnership with Azule Energy—a joint venture between BP and Eni—as well as Namibia’s national oil company, Namcor, and Korres Investments.
The Cape Town-headquartered company has identified Volans as a priority for potential fast-track development.
Reshaping Namibia’s oil frontier
Volans-1X is part of a growing list of wells in the Orange Basin, including Shell’s Graff, La Rona, and Jonker wells; TotalEnergies’ Venus and Mangetti; Galp’s Mopane-1X and 2X; and other exploration and appraisal efforts by Chevron, Eco Atlantic, and BW Energy.
Orange Basin drilling timeline grows with each success. As the 17th exploration well in this transformative offshore basin, Volans‑1X underscores the expanding scope and increasing confidence in Namibia’s deepwater hydrocarbon potential.
Each successive well brings Namibia closer to a commercial offshore oil industry, reshaping the country’s economic and energy future.
Since 1928, Namibia has seen more than 40 exploration and appraisal wells drilled both onshore and offshore, with a sharp uptick in offshore activity—especially in the Orange Basin—since 2021.
Total Wells Drilled in Namibia (1928–2025): Approx. 44 Onshore Wells (1928–2005): ~18 wells Offshore Wells (1974–2025): ~26 wells
