Exploration

In Namibia, Shell is in the early stages of exploring for offshore oil and natural gas. Shell Namibia Upstream BV (Shell) has a 45% participating interest in Petroleum Exploration License 39 (PEL 39), located offshore Namibia, with a 45% interest held by QatarEnergy and a 10% interest held by the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).

Shell completed three seismic surveys of PEL 39 between 2014 and 2019. The purpose of the surveys was to identify geological structures below the seabed which might contain oil or gas.  In early February 2022, Shell safely completed drilling its first exploration well (Graff-1) in PEL 39.  Dennis Zekveld, Shell’s Country Chair in Namibia, made the following comment on the initial results: ‘We’re very encouraged by the early results from the deep-water Graff-1 exploration well, which established a working petroleum system and the presence of light oil.  Over the coming months, we’ll need to conduct further evaluation of the well results, and additional exploration activity, in order to determine the size and recoverable potential of the hydrocarbons that were identified.  We look forward to continued close collaboration with our JV partners  - NAMCOR and QatarEnergy - and the Government of Namibia on the next steps.’

Safety first

Safety is the top priority across Shell’s operations. The company’s deep-water wells must meet rigorous design and construction standards, and we use sensors to monitor the wells in real time. This allows engineers and geologists in onshore operations centres around the world to identify any potential risks and respond immediately.

Shell’s engineers also undergo several years’ additional training in deep-water exploration and recovery. The company runs programmes globally to ensure high standards of health and safety, emergency response procedures and technical operations.

Contributing to Namibia

Shell aims to be a positive presence in our host country; to deliver long-term benefits to Namibia and its people. This involves many aspects, including working with the government and various local stakeholders to enhance the country’s oil and gas capacity, payment of taxes and investing in community projects.