Shell-Led JV Finds Light Oil in Tenth Well at Namibia’s PEL 0039
SHEL•Shell and partners QatarEnergy and NAMCOR discovered light oil in the tenth exploration well, Merlin-1X, at PEL 0039 offshore Namibia’s Orange Basin. The well reached the Coniacian formation with good reservoir quality and limited gas, marking the most favourable subsurface result in the licence so far.
1. Discovery Details
Shell, as operator, alongside partners QatarEnergy and NAMCOR, drilled the Merlin-1X well at PEL 0039 offshore Namibia, making an oil discovery in the tenth well under the licence. This marks the third discovery announcement in the Orange Basin by the partnership.
2. Reservoir Quality and Comparison
The Merlin-1X well reached the Coniacian formation, encountering good reservoir quality with light oil and only limited associated gas. These outcomes represent the most favourable subsurface results achieved in PEL 0039 to date.
3. Operator and Partnership Structure
Shell serves as operator of PEL 0039, alongside QatarEnergy (45% interest) and Namibia’s national oil company NAMCOR. QatarEnergy also holds stakes in three other Namibian licences covering roughly 34,000 km².
4. Future Drilling Plans
Further drilling in PEL 0039 is being considered later in 2026 as part of a broader exploratory appraisal campaign. The partnership will use a disciplined, data-led approach to assess commercial potential before committing additional investment.
