Bermuda-based drilling company Northern Ocean says it now employs around 90 Namibians in its offshore operations.
The company’s rigs, managed by Odfjell Drilling, have been involved in offshore drilling in the Orange Basin, working with operators such as Rhino Resources and BW.
“Over the past two years, we have reached a milestone: we now have around 90 Namibian employees offshore, which is a strong start. Collaboration is essential,” said Northern Ocean Chief Executive Officer Arne Jacobsen.
Jacobsen explained that offshore operations are highly technical and capital-intensive. Semi-submersible units, which Northern Ocean operates in Namibia’s harsh winter conditions, require highly skilled personnel and years of training.
He stressed that achieving sustainable local content and wealth creation in the oil sector requires long-term commitment, substantial investment and close collaboration between operators, the government and service providers.
“Training a key operator for this kind of unit takes approximately ten years. This gives perspective on what it will take to educate Namibians to operate these vessels effectively. You cannot rush it; these are highly technical units. You cannot gain this expertise in a short time, it requires gradual, sustained training,” he said.
Jacobsen identified long-term contracts as essential for building local content. He warned that short-term arrangements prevent companies from investing in equipment, personnel and infrastructure, leading to operational disruptions and value loss. Continuous drilling is particularly critical, he noted, as every offshore operation supports multiple onshore jobs, while halted activities can result in substantial financial losses.
He also underlined the importance of infrastructure and timely government permitting. Adequate port facilities and deep-water access, he said, are necessary to support semi-submersible units and ensure efficient operations.
“Local content is not about regulations on paper; it’s about practical frameworks and contracts that enable training, continuity and sustainable operations. Only by maintaining consistent drilling and long-term planning can Namibia achieve sustainable wealth and high local content,” Jacobsen said.
