Galp discovers hydrocarbons in fourth Orange basin appraisal

Galp Energia SGPS SA has drilled and logged the Mopane-2A well, the fourth well in block PEL83 in Namibia’s Orange basin (OGJ Online, Dec. 2, 2024).

Spudded on Dec. 2, Mopane-2A encountered hydrocarbons in two reservoirs, including a column of gas-condensate in AVO-3 with a thin net pay in the reservoir sweet spot and a column of light oil in a smaller reservoir at AVO-4, Galp said.

Both reservoirs showed good quality sands, with good porosities and permeabilities, high pressures, and low fluid viscosities characteristics, with minimum carbon dioxide and no hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

Also, in line with all previous Mopane wells, no water contacts were found, according to the operator.

In addition to continuing to analyze and integrate all new acquired data to allow better understanding of the Mopane complex, Galp said it will continue assessing the commerciality of the discoveries.

As part of the ongoing campaign in the wider Mopane area, Galp confirmed the drillship is now moving to the Mopane-3X exploration well location (Well #5), targeting two stacked prospects AVO-10 and AVO-13, with an expected spud date of about Jan. 1, 2025.

In parallel, the operator and partners will carry out a high-density and high-resolution proprietary 3D development seismic campaign over the Mopane complex.

PEL 83 covers about 10,000-sq km in Orange basin in the southern part of Namibian shallow and deep waters, close to the border with South Africa.

Galp operates PEL83 (80%) on behalf of partners National Petroleum Corp.of Namibia (NAMCOR; 10%), and Custos Energy (Pty) Ltd. (10%). Sintana Energy Inc. holds a 49% carried interest through its indirect investment in Custos Energy.