Galp signs rig contract for exploration drilling in Namibia’s Orange basin

Galp Energia, operator of petroleum exploration license 83 in Namibia’s Orange basin, has secured a rig for drilling to begin in this year’s fourth quarter (OGJ Online, June 23, 2022).

A contract with SFL Corp. for the Hercules semisubmersible drilling rig was secured by a Galp subsidiary, said Sintana Energy Inc., a carried interest holder, in a May 8 release.

The contract is for two wells plus optional well testing. Without any options, the duration of the contract is about 115 days including mobilization to Namibia.

PEL 83, in water depth of 250-2,550 m, lies immediately north of Shell plc-operated PEL 39, where basin opening discoveries at Graff-1, La Rona-1, and Jonker-1 were drilled, Sintana Energy said. It also lies north and east of TotalEnergies’ Venus-1 oil discovery on PEL 56.

Galp is operator of PEL 83 and holds an 80% interest. Partners include the National Petroleum Corp. of Namibia (Namcor) with 10%, and Custos Investments (Pty) Ltd. with 10%. Sintana holds a 49% indirect interest in Custos.