The MOPU will be equipped with a purpose-built process package. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

To advance field development work in Benin, Akrake Petroleum Benin SA has signed contracts for a mobile production unit (MOPU) and an Aframax tanker that will serve as floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit

Having converted from a medium-sized drilling rig, the MOPU will be equipped with a purpose-built process package. The units are expected to arrive in Benin during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Lime Petroleum Holding AS, which owns Akrare, signed a contract for a modern built jack-up rig as the operator of the Seme Field in Benin. The rig will be used for an anticipated 120-day drilling campaign in Benin.
Akrake, which is also the indirect subsidiary of Rex International, holds an approximately 76% working interest in the Seme Field, and aims to submit a field development plan to the Ministry of Energy, Water and Mines so that production in the fieldcan be initiated in the second half of 2025. 

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TGS expands 3D seismic coverage in Benin 

Rex to seek financial advise from Hannam & Partners on Benin block

Masangane has more than 15 years of experience in the energy sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In a bid to advance the development of Block 11B/12B in the Outeniqua basin offshore South Africa, Africa Energy Corp has hired Phindile Masangane as head of strategy and business development

Masangane will also join the Company's Board of Directors. 

Robert Nicolella, Africa Energy's chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to have Phindile join our leadership group. She brings a significant amount of experience in the energy sector to our team. She will be instrumental in assisting Africa Energy as we work to move Block 11B/12B to the development phase and bring our world class gas and condensate discoveries to market. Her vast experience in energy infrastructure development, policy and regulation, along with project finance expertise, will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Company."

Natural gas exploration

Africa Energy is especially looking to explore natural gas presence from Block 11B/12B, in alignment with expert prediction that the region hosts 20% of global LNG capacity. With such marked potential, the company can use Masangane's extensive experience to develop the energy infrastructure of the region. 

Masangane has more than 15 years of executive management experience in the energy sector. She has previously served as the chief executive officer of the Petroleum Agency of South Africa, where she engaged with different stakeholders including government and non-governmental organisations advocating for the sustainable development of South Africa's indigenous oil and gas resources in support of energy security and economic development.

Masangane has been a partner of KPMG LLP and most recently part of the leadership team at Sasol South Africa (Pty) Ltd. She has a PhD in Chemistry from Imperial College, an MBA from University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry & Mathematics) from University of Eswatini.

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Capricornus 1-X exploration well from Block 2914A that falls under petroleum exploration license (PEL85) in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia has revealed good petrophysical properties 

The drilling for which the Noble Venturer drillship was used revealed no water contact as hydrocarbon samples and sidewell cores were collected through intensive wireline logging operations. 

Besides 38m of net pay, the well also put to a production test across the light oil-bearing reservoir. The well achieved a surface-constrained flow rate in excess of 11,000 stb/d on a 40/64” choke. The light ~37° API oil exhibited limited associated gas with less than 2% CO2 and no hydrogen sulphide.

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test.

Azule Energy holds a 42.5% stake in the block, alongside co-venturers Rhino Resources (Operator, 42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).

The well will now be temporarily plugged and abandoned, and the rig will be released.

Adriano Mongini, Chief Executive Officer of Azule Energy, said, “A successful exploration outcome such as this represents another significant step in Azule Energy’s exploration strategy. It underscores our commitment to unlocking the region’s energy potential while delivering value for all stakeholders. This achievement aligns with other key milestones, including the completion of the Agogo Integrated West Hub development and the landmark New Gas Consortium – Angola’s first nonassociated gas project.”

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Marula-1X drilling operation on Block 2913B (PEL 56) offshore Namibia has been drilled to a total depth of 6,460 m (measured depth)

While the Albian aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex was targetted during the drilling campaign, there were no hydrocarbons found, eliminating the need for a drill stem test. 

This, however, is the same block that housed the site confirming the Venus light oil discovery. The drilling took place approximately 47 km south of the Venus-1X well for which the Deepsea Mira semi-submersible drilling rig was deployed. 

Exploring geological plays

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results.

Impact has a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B in Namibia’s Orange Basin. Africa Oil through its 39.5% interest in Impact, has an effective interest of approximately 3.8% in these blocks. 

Africa Oil President and CEO, Roger Tucker, said, "The farm down agreement between Impact and TotalEnergies that completed last year, provides full carry of Impact’s exploration and development costs on Blocks 2912 and 2913B through to first commercial production from these blocks. This presents us with an attractive opportunity set to test different geological plays on these blocks at no upfront cost."