Shell has reportedly found hydrocarbons in the Jonker-1 well which it began drilling in December to check for a possible eastern extension of Total’s Venus find.
Hydrocarbons, are the main components of crude oil and natural gas.
Early signs from the new find, are said to be promising according to Upstream.
The probe is reported to be chasing a different geological play to the Upper Cretaceous light oil discoveries made last year by Shell’s Graff-1 and La Rona-1 exploration wells.
However, it may require a unitization agreement with Total.
Shell chartered the semi-submersible Deepsea Bollsta on a 12-month contract valued at N$2.1 billion, with an option to extend the deal for a further six months.
The local unit of Shell operates PEL 0039 with a 45% working interest, together with QatarEnergy (45%) and National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (10%).
Appraisal work reportedly suggests that the gas-to-oil ratio in the Orange Basin’s waters is lower than first thought, which could enable both Total and Shell to opt for an early oil production system.
