Galp discovers hydrocarbons in fifth Orange basin appraisal
Galp Energia SGPS SA drilled, cored, and logged the Mopane-3X well on PEL 83 in Namibia’s Orange basin and preliminary data confirmed oil and gas colums in stacked prospects, said partner Sintana Energy Inc. in a Feb. 25 release.
The well, the fifth in the prospect, spud 18 km from Mopane-1X on Jan. 2, 2025. It is part of the second campaign on blocks 2813A and 2814B (OGJ Online, Jan. 2, 2025).
Mopane-3X targeted two stacked prospects, AVO-10 and AVO- 13, as well as a deeper sand, in the southeast region of the Mopane complex in about 1,200 m of water.
Preliminary testing shows 'significant' columns of light oil and gas-condensate in high-quality sandstones across AVO-10. The presence of light oil columns was confirmed in AVO-13 and the deeper sand, again in high-quality sandstones, Sintana said.
Reservoir log measures confirm good porosities, high pressures, and high permeabilities. Initial fluid samples show low oil viscosity and minimum CO2 and H2S concentrations. Samples have been sent for lab testing.
Higher-than-estimated pressures and preliminary results at Mopane 3X unlock further exploration and appraisal opportunities in the southeast region of the Mopane complex. All acquired data will be integrated into the reservoir model and support the planning of potential further activities.
The proprietary 3D development seismic acquisition campaign is on track to be completed in first-quarter 2025, with processing of the data acquired to follow.
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.
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).