BW Energy has confirmed the presence of condensate and light oil within Namibia’s Kudu licence area following the completion of drilling at the Kharas-1 appraisal well.
The company said the offshore well was drilled to a total depth of 5,100 metres and intersected several reservoir intervals, achieving all technical objectives set for the operation.
According to BW Energy, the appraisal well encountered multiple shallow turbidite reservoirs showing dry gas. The company stated that reservoir properties from these intervals, together with data from the acquired whole core, are now being analysed.
Chief Executive Officer Carl Arnet said the results mark a significant breakthrough in understanding the Kudu petroleum system.
“The results also confirm, for the first time, the presence of liquid hydrocarbons within the Kudu block… Our forward programme will focus on further high-value targets based on the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, as well as gas and the learnings from Kharas-1,” Arnet said.
BW Energy reported that in the deeper section of the well, hydrocarbons were discovered within a fractured volcaniclastic reservoir. The company said the finding represents the first confirmed presence of liquid hydrocarbons in the Kudu block, and further analysis is being undertaken to determine the extent of the system and assess future appraisal opportunities.
Arnet added that the data collected had fulfilled the well’s exploration objectives.
“Kharas-1 achieved its technical objective of testing multiple targets within a single penetration and delivered valuable geological, geochemical and petrophysical data,” he said.
BW Energy confirmed that Kharas-1 will now be plugged and abandoned in accordance with the planned programme.
The company said it operates its portfolio under a phased, low-risk development approach. BW Energy holds a 73.5% stake in the producing Dussafu Marine licence in Gabon; full ownership of Brazil’s Golfinho and Camarupim fields; a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block; and a 95% interest in both the Maromba field in Brazil and Namibia’s Kudu field. It also holds approximately 7% of Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operated interest in Namibia’s onshore Petroleum Exploration Licence 73.
BW Energy reported that its total net 2P+2C reserves and resources stood at 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the beginning of 2025.
