Rhino Resources, in partnership with Halliburton, has successfully completed two exploration wells on Block 2914 within Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 85 offshore Namibia.
The development marks the first time offshore wells have been delivered entirely using in-country infrastructure.
The milestone follows the establishment of Halliburton’s operational bases in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Lüderitz, which enabled the implementation of a local-first approach.
“This success is an example of what’s possible when world-class technology, local collaboration, and a shared long-term vision come together,” said Antoine Berel, Vice President of Halliburton Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Our infrastructure across Namibia enabled this discovery, helping unlock the country’s energy potential.”
Rhino Resources CEO Travis Smithard said the company had made it clear at the start of the campaign that its exploration activities in Namibia should not only prove geological potential but also deliver long-term value for the country.
“These discoveries on Block 2914 are a promising start to a journey that will contribute to Namibia’s emerging oil and gas industry through knowledge transfer, skills development, and youth upliftment,” Smithard said.
The announcement comes shortly after the inauguration of the Rhino-Halliburton Technology Centre at the University of Namibia Southern Campus in October 2024.
The facility is dedicated to advancing geoscience education and research, and is expected to play a key role in shaping Namibia’s future energy sector.
Founded in 1919, Halliburton is one of the world’s leading providers of products and services to the energy industry, known for its development of innovative technologies.
Rhino Resources is a privately held exploration company focused on delivering low-cost energy solutions across Africa and is currently conducting a two-well drilling campaign on Namibia’s PEL 85 in the Orange Basin, with the potential for further activities depending on the outcome of the initial results.
