BW Energy has confirmed the presence of liquid hydrocarbons in Namibia’s Kudu block following the completion of the Kharas-1 appraisal well, offshore Namibia.
The development marks a major milestone in BW Energy’s ongoing exploration programme, enhancing understanding of the licence’s petroleum system.
The well, drilled using the Deepsea Mira rig managed by Odfjell Drilling, reached a total depth of 5,100 m and intersected multiple reservoir intervals. In line with the planned programme, Kharas-1 has now been plugged and abandoned.
BW Energy reported several shallow turbidite reservoirs with dry-gas shows. Data collected from these intervals, including whole-core samples, are under evaluation to determine reservoir quality and potential commerciality.
In the deeper section of the well, hydrocarbons were encountered in a fractured volcaniclastic reservoir.
According to BW Energy, this confirms a working petroleum system capable of producing condensate and/or light oil, marking the first discovery of liquid hydrocarbons within the Kudu licence area.
Further analysis is ongoing to assess the system’s extent and reservoir characteristics, which will inform future appraisal activities.
Carl Arnet, CEO of BW Energy, said: “Kharas-1 successfully tested multiple targets within a single well and provided valuable geological, geochemical, and petrophysical data. The results confirm, for the first time, the presence of liquid hydrocarbons in the Kudu block and improve our understanding of the broader petroleum system.”
“Moving forward, our appraisal programme will focus on high-value targets informed by the results from Kharas-1,” Arnet said.
The Kudu licence (PPL003) located within the Orange Basin is operated by BW Energy, which holds a 95% working interest. Namibia’s state-owned NAMCOR E&P retains a 5% carried interest.
The well’s results are expected to guide future exploration and development strategies across the block.