Noble rig strikes oill in Namibia.... on its way to Tullow now.28 Apr 2025 07:45
Https://www.offshore-energy.biz/noble-rig-strikes-oil-in-namibias-orange-basin/
The Noble Venturer drillship, set to begin its $171 million drilling campaign for Tullow Ghana in May 2025, will target oil and gas prospects in the Deepwater Tano (DWT) Block, specifically around the Jubilee and TEN fields offshore Ghana. While exact outcomes depend on geological and operational factors, here’s what the rig could potentially find based on the region’s characteristics and Tullow’s objectives:
Oil in Existing Reservoirs: The Jubilee field, a primary focus, has produced over 370 million barrels of oil since 2010 and is known for high-quality light crude (around 35-37° API). The Noble Venturer could discover additional oil pay in untapped or underexplored sections of the Cenomanian and Turonian reservoirs, similar to past finds like the 45 meters of net oil pay in the Ntomme-2A well. Drilling could extend known reservoirs or identify new satellite pools, boosting recoverable reserves.
New Hydrocarbon Pools: The TEN fields (Tweneboa, Enyenra, Ntomme) have complex geology with multiple stacked reservoirs. The rig might encounter new hydrocarbon accumulations in adjacent fault blocks or deeper Cretaceous targets, potentially yielding light oil or condensate with low CO2 and minimal impurities, as seen in prior discoveries.
Gas Resources: Tullow has previously found associated and non-associated gas in the DWT Block, with gas reinjection supporting oil production in Jubilee. The Noble Venturer could uncover additional gas caps or standalone gas reservoirs, which could be commercialized given Ghana’s growing demand for gas in power generation.
High-Quality Reservoirs: The region’s geology favors high-porosity, high-permeability sandstone reservoirs, as evidenced by the Capricornus 1-X well’s 38 meters of net pay in Namibia. Similar reservoir quality could yield strong flow rates, potentially exceeding 10,000 barrels per day, as seen in recent tests.
Challenges or Dry Holes: Not all wells guarantee success. Geological risks, such as fault compartmentalization or unexpected water saturation, could result in sub-commercial finds or dry holes, as occurred with some appraisal wells in the TEN fields. However, Tullow’s advanced seismic data and the rig’s proven precision reduce this risk.
The campaign’s initial phase involves drilling two wells within 120 days, leveraging the rig’s dual-derrick capability for efficiency. Success will hinge on Tullow’s targeting strategy, informed by prior discoveries and seismic surveys. Given the Noble Venturer’s recent performance in Namibia, where it confirmed light oil and high flow rates, it’s well-equipped to replicate such results.
So Noble could find 5,000-10,000 bopd of light oil per production well in the Jubilee field with two wells potentially adding 10,000-20,000 bopd gross. Near-field exploration could uncover 50-200 million barrels of recoverable oil.
Sign In
Follow the stocks
