Portuguese multinational company Galp Energia has announced a hydrocarbon discovery after successfully drilling, coring, and logging the Mopane-3X well in PEL83, offshore Namibia.
According to the company, the well, which was spudded on January 2, is the fifth in the Mopane complex and is located 18 km from the initial Mopane-1X well.
It targeted three key prospects—AVO-10, AVO-13, and a deeper sand—at approximately 1,200 meters of water depth.
“Preliminary data confirm light oil and gas-condensate significant columns across AVO-10, and light oil columns on AVO-13 and on the deeper sand, in high-quality sandstones,” Galp said on Tuesday.
The company further noted that reservoir logs indicate strong porosity, high pressures, and excellent permeability, suggesting promising production potential.
According to Galp, initial fluid samples revealed low oil viscosity and minimal CO₂ and H₂S concentrations, with further laboratory analysis underway.
The discovery reinforces Mopane’s exploration potential, unlocking new appraisal opportunities in the southeast region. Galp’s proprietary 3D seismic acquisition campaign remains on track for completion in the first quarter of 2025, with subsequent data processing expected to inform future development plans.
“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 the 1Q25, with processing of the information acquired to follow,” the company stated.
Galp initiated drilling activities at the Mopane-1X well in November 2023, followed by the Mopane-2X well. Both wells encountered significant light oil columns, estimated to contain at least 10 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent. Flow tests at these wells demonstrated production rates of up to 14,000 barrels of oil per day, highlighting strong commercial viability.
“These additional discoveries in an entirely new section of Mopane further demonstrate the scale and quality of the complex. An emerging clarity on the multi-phase potential of Mopane is underpinned by this world class asset,” said Knowledge Katti, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Custos.
“We congratulate our Joint Venture partners on another safe and successful outing. We are uniquely positioned at the heart of this hydrocarbon province.”
Galp operates the project with an 80% interest, while partners NAMCOR and Custos each hold a 10% stake.
In late December 2024, PEL 83 partners disclosed that Saipem’s Santorini drillship was getting ready to move to the Mopane-3X well as part of the ongoing campaign.
