Flow testing at the Volans-1X exploration well offshore Namibia has confirmed a commercially significant discovery, producing 33 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of natural gas alongside 5,300 barrels per day of high-quality condensate — results that exceed initial geological predictions and cement the Orange Basin’s status as one of Africa’s most dynamic emerging hydrocarbon provinces.
The condensate carries a 40° API gravity, indicating premium light hydrocarbon content, with a condensate-to-gas ratio of 160 barrels per million cubic feet. The well reached a total depth of 4,497 meters below sea level following drilling operations that commenced in July 2025 and achieved target depth by August 30, 2025. Flow testing conducted between January 5–13, 2026, provided comprehensive reservoir data across a 26-meter net pay zone with zero water contact — a significant technical advantage that eliminates water-coning risks and supports predictable long-term production profiles.
Laboratory analysis of the gas reveals highly favourable composition characteristics, with only 1–2% carbon dioxide and trace hydrogen sulfide at approximately 3 parts per million. These low impurity levels eliminate the need for specialised acid-gas treatment systems, materially reducing capital expenditure for field development.
The Volans-1X is operated by Rhino Resources Namibia Ltd., which holds a 42.5% stake in Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL 85). Partners include Azule Energy — the BP-Eni joint venture — alongside NAMCOR with a 10% national participation interest and Korres Investments with a 5% stake. The licence has now yielded three consecutive discoveries within a 12-month period. The earlier Capricornus-1X well on the same licence demonstrated over 11,000 barrels per day of light crude oil production capability, with the two discoveries located approximately 15 kilometres apart — suggesting strong potential for integrated, shared-infrastructure development.
The Orange Basin has attracted sustained international interest since TotalEnergies’ Venus discovery and Shell’s Graff announcement in 2022, followed by Galp’s Mopane discovery in 2024 and recent Petrobras-TotalEnergies partnership agreements. Volans-1X adds further weight to this emerging hydrocarbon corridor, with development timelines projecting initial production commencement between 2030 and 2032.
Source: discoveryalert.com.au