The well was drilled to a total vertical depth of approximately 4,030 metres. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The S-6 (Akeng Deep) exploration well at Block S offshore Equatorial Guinea has been declared a sub-commercial discovery by Panoro Energy and partners, following the completion of drilling and data evaluation 

Drilled to a total vertical depth of approximately 4,030 metres, the well revealed oil zones in the Upper Albian. The drilling was facilitated by the Noble Venturer drillship. 

At Block G, first oil from the Okume infill well was achieved mid-November with production ramp-up ongoing. The Ceiba infill well was brought online by the Block G operator, Trident Energy, mid-October and is performing ahead of expectations.

This marks the end of the 2024 drilling campaign in Equatorial Guinea.

Active petroleum system

John Hamilton, CEO of Panoro, said, "Although the Akeng Deep well did not result in a commercial discovery, the identification of oil in the Upper Albian confirms elements of an active petroleum system and the data provide valuable insights into the potential of the Lower Cretaceous. The well results at S-6 will now be integrated into our subsurface models to refine future exploration and appraisal activities in the basin. At Block G we are pleased to report that both new infill wells at the Ceiba field and Okume Complex are onstream with the Ceiba well performing ahead of expectations and the Okume Complex well ramping up and set to add additional volume.” 

The company has drilled beyond the original projected total depth of 3,800 m. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd has reached total depth of 4,184 metres (13,727 feet) on the Naingopo exploration well on Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 (PEL 73) onshore Namibia

Brian Reinsborough, president and CEO of the company, said, "We are excited to have completed the drilling operations on the Naingopo exploration well, drilling beyond our original projected TD of 3,800 metres. The Naingopo well is the first of several to test the potential resource of the Damara Fold Belt. We will now commence an extensive evaluation programme, which will include wireline logging and coring, modular formation dynamics tester (MDT) sampling and testing of any hydrocarbons present, and a Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP). Our technical team will then assess all data to determine the results, which will assist us in finalizing further plans in the Damara Fold Belt." 

The next step involves a comprehensive logging and coring programme, and perform a VSP, followed by casing and cementing the well. Results of the well will be provided following a thorough analysis of the subsurface data acquired and any obtained oil or natural gas samples. We expect to have the preliminary results of the Naingopo well in the next several weeks. 

The Jarvie -1 drilling rigs will undertake repair and maintenance activities in December 2024. We expect to move to the Kambundu (Prospect P) well location after completing the review of the results from current operations.

Blocks 2913B and 2912 are located about 300 kms offshore Namibia. (Image source: QatarEnergy)

QatarEnergy has entered into an agreement with TotalEnergies to acquire an additional 5.25% interest in block 2913B (PEL 56) and an additional 4.695% interest in block 2912 (PEL 91), both located in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia

Subject to customary approvals, QatarEnergy’s participating interests in both licenses will increase to 35.25% in block 2913B and 33.025% in block 2912. TotalEnergies (the operator) will hold 45.25% in block 2913B and 42.475% in block 2912. The other partners in the two licenses are Impact Oil & Gas, holding 9.5% in each of the two licenses and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), holding 10% in block 2913B and 15% in block 2912.

QatarEnergy's relationship with NAMCOR goes way back, when the parties agreed to support and develop a sustainable upstream oil and gas sector in Namibia, which also included training and development of NAMCOR employees in industry-based skills.

Developing Venus discovery

"We are pleased to expand QatarEnergy’s footprint in Namibia’s upstream sector. This agreement marks another important step in working collaboratively with our partners towards the development of the Venus discovery located on block 2913B,” said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and president and CEO, QatarEnergy.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Namibian authorities and our partners for their support and we look forward to delivering on our exploration and potential development programme,” he said.

Blocks 2913B and 2912 are located about 300 kilometers offshore Namibia, in water depths ranging from 2600 to 3800 meters. 

Blocks in the Namibian Orange Basin continue to see heightened activities. 

Bourbon will utilise its data management system for end-to-end execution. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Bourbon has been awarded a new fully integrated logistics contract for a major exploration campaign, with first drilling to begin offshore southern Namibia

The first integrated logistics contract for the operator, its scope ranges from freight forwarding and logistics base services to marine services. This involves everything from international shipment and customs clearance of the equipment to arrive at Walvis Bay, all the way from Houston, Singapore and Antwerp. The contract reserves the deployment of three platform supply vessels – Bourbon Diamond, Ruby and Topaz.

Incidentally, Chevron Namibia Exploration Limited had entered Petroleum Exploration License 82 (PEL 82) in May with an 80% working interest and operatorship.

Ambitious project

Spearheading the entire logistics operations from planning to conduct, Bourbon will utilise its data management system, Bourbon Logistics Suite software, which enables all logistics operations to be planned, executed and controlled from end to end. The 7-hectare logistics base is located in Walvis Bay and will employ almost 50 shore-based staff, 96% of whom are Namibians, who will benefit from specialised training, particularly in materials handling.

Nicolas Chateau, managing director of Bourbon Logistics, said, “Bourbon Logistics is mobilised to bring exemplary management of the client's supply chain, with strict adherence to deadlines and constant attention to the highest safety standards. This new contract confirms Bourbon Logistics’ expertise and recognition by major O&G operators to bring increasingly comprehensive services to its clients, in their most ambitious projects.” 

In April, Bourbon Mobility had announced a major investment with Piriou to receive six new crewboats for operation in West Africa, which are due for delivery next year.