BW Energy has reported encouraging preliminary results from its Kharas-1 appraisal well in the Orange Basin offshore Namibia, with multiple intervals showing indications of hydrocarbon presence and reservoir potential. The Oslo-listed exploration and production company confirmed that the well, drilled using Northern Ocean’s Deepsea Mira rig managed by Odfjell Drilling, reached total depth in September 2025 after penetrating multiple formations across the Kudu license.
Early analysis indicates that the K1 interval may contain hydrocarbons wetter than dry gas, suggesting a working petroleum system at Kharas. A hydrocarbon migration front has been observed, and wireline operations are currently underway to assess reservoir quality, fluid type, and pressure characteristics.
The well was strategically designed to intersect several targets within a single borehole. While this approach did not allow for individual optimization of each formation, it provided valuable geological data across the broader petroleum system. BW Energy operates the Kudu license in petroleum production license 003 with a 95 percent working interest, while NAMCOR E&P, a subsidiary of Namibia’s national oil company, holds the remaining 5 percent carried interest.
The company has indicated that a follow-up appraisal campaign will be required to evaluate individual targets in greater detail. The outcome of the wireline program will guide decisions on the next well location and future appraisal strategy. The 2018-built sixth-generation semi-submersible Deepsea Mira rig, based on Moss Maritime CS60E design, is capable of drilling in water depths of up to 3,000 meters.
Source: offshore-energy.biz, offshore-mag.com, oedigital.com