Northern Drilling semisub to drill for BW Energy off Namibia

Norway’s BW Energy has secured the Deepsea Mira rig to drill its Kharas appraisal well off the coast of Namibia. This operation will take place in the Orange Basin’s Kudu licence area, with completion expected in the latter half of 2025. The agreement is part of a strategic rig-sharing arrangement with Rhino Resources, ensuring access to local expertise and resources.

Details of the Drilling Agreement

The Deepsea Mira, a semi-submersible rig built in 2018 and owned by Northern Ocean, will be utilized for this significant drilling project. BW Energy, which holds a 95% working interest in the Kudu production licence, is set to benefit from the rig’s capabilities and the experienced service team provided by Rhino Resources. NAMCOR, Namibia’s state-owned oil company, retains a 5% carried interest in the project.

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This contract with Rhino Resources includes provisions for one firm well and three optional wells, with a total estimated duration of 112 days. The projected value of the contract is approximately $40 million. Earlier this month, Northern Ocean announced that Rhino had hired the rig for this drilling operation, which is now confirmed to include BW Energy as a key client. The collaboration aims to leverage local resources and expertise to enhance operational efficiency in the Orange Basin.

As the operator of the Kudu licence, BW Energy’s drilling activities are crucial for the development of Namibia’s offshore oil resources. The successful completion of the Kharas appraisal well could pave the way for further exploration and production opportunities in the region, highlighting the growing significance of Namibia in the global energy landscape.