Shell has reported encouraging exploration results from its Merlin-1X well in Petroleum Exploration Licence 0039 (PEL 0039) offshore Namibia, strengthening the case for continued evaluation of one of Africa’s most closely watched emerging hydrocarbon frontiers.
The well, spudded on 8 April 2026, is the tenth well drilled in the licence, which Shell operates in partnership with QatarEnergy and Namibia’s national oil company NAMCOR. Merlin-1X successfully penetrated the Coniacian play and delivered the most promising subsurface results to date within PEL 0039, encountering good reservoir quality with light oil and limited associated gas — a marked improvement over prior results within the licence.
Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Executive Vice President for Exploration, Strategy and Portfolio, described the findings as encouraging and said they added to the company’s understanding of the Orange Basin’s potential. He noted that Shell is progressing the opportunity through a disciplined, data-led approach to establish commerciality, with a focus on options that are material, competitive, and resilient within its broader portfolio.
The results are expected to inform a further exploratory appraisal programme, with additional drilling under consideration for later in 2026. The Orange Basin has been a focal point for African exploration since TotalEnergies and others announced significant discoveries in neighbouring acreage in recent years.
Source: oilreviewafrica.com