Namibia has built up more than 180,000 kilometres of seismic data over nearly five decades, forming the foundation of its recent oil and gas breakthroughs in the Orange Basin and other frontier basins, according to the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).
Victoria Sibeya, Executive for Upstream Exploration at NAMCOR, said the country’s persistence in exploration has paid off with the development of an extensive dataset.
“Since 1974, 26 exploration wells and Namibia has acquired over 106,000 line kilometres of 2D seismic data and 74,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data. These datasets, supported by advanced imaging and modelling, have been instrumental in unlocking the breakthrough discoveries of 2022,” she said.
She credited Namibia’s recent momentum to technological advances and international partnerships. “The multiple ultra-deepwater discoveries of 2022 are the product of decades of sustained effort and collaboration,” Sibeya told delegates at a recent industry conference.
NAMCOR confirmed that seismic surveys remain central to guiding new exploration and appraisal work. Recent programmes include 3D seismic over the Mopani complex in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 83 operated by Galp, and 2D seismic in P93 operated by Shell, which has expanded onshore coverage to more than 6,400 line kilometres.
“These seismic programmes, combined with geochemical and stratigraphic studies, are refining Namibia’s petroleum system models and opening new opportunities onshore and offshore,” Sibeya said.
Alongside seismic progress, Sibeya outlined other key activities. These include preparations for the Kudu gas field appraisal in the third quarter of 2025, post-well studies in PEL 39 led by Shell, and development planning of the Venus discovery with TotalEnergies, which is targeting a final investment decision in the first quarter of 2026.
She emphasised that while the Orange Basin discoveries have drawn international attention, exploration is also progressing in the Lüderitz, Walvis and Namib basins.
“Our responsibility as Namibians is to ensure that this once-in-a-generation opportunity delivers lasting prosperity. Seismic data is not just an exploration tool, it is the foundation upon which we are building Namibia’s oil and gas future,” Sibeya said.
