Galp Energia SGPS SA has drilled and logged the first exploration well (Mopane-1X) in block PEL83, offshore Namibia. The results confirm the discovery of a significant column of light oil in reservoir-bearing sands of high quality.
Galp said it will continue to analyze the acquired data and anticipates performing a drill stem test in the coming weeks to assess the commerciality of the discovery.
Mopane-1X is the first of two wells which are scheduled to be drilled by the Hercules semi-submersible rig under a contract that provides for two wells and optional testing (OGJ Online, Nov. 27, 2023). Drilling operations at Mopane-1X will proceed to explore deeper targets. Upon completion, the rig will be relocated to the Mopane-2X location to further evaluate the extent of the Mopane discovery.
PEL 83, in 250-2,550 m of water, sits directly north of PEL 39 where Shell made discoveries at Graff- 1, La Rona-1, and Jonker-1. PEL 83 is also contiguous to Block 2913B where TotalEnergies made its Venus-1 discovery.
Galp is operator of PEL 83 (80%) with partners the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) (10%), and Custos Energy (10%). Sintana has 49% carried interest through its indirect investment in Custos Energy.
Alex Procyk | Upstream Editor
Alex Procyk is Upstream Editor at Oil & Gas Journal. He has also served as a principal technical professional at Halliburton and as a completion engineer at ConocoPhillips. He holds a BS in chemistry (1987) from Kent State University and a PhD in chemistry (1992) from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
