Namibia: Africa Oil Expands with the Drilling of Marula-1X

Africa Oil Corp. and its investee Impact Oil & Gas are accelerating their offshore operations in Namibia. Following the drilling of Tamboti-1X, work continues with Marula-1X, targeting Albian reservoirs. The Venus project, scheduled for 2026, could mark a key milestone.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The offshore oil sector in Namibia continues to attract attention with the latest developments from Africa Oil Corp. and Impact Oil & Gas. The company announced the completion of testing at the Tamboti-1X well and the start of drilling for Marula-1X in Block 2913B (PEL 56). These activities are part of a development strategy aimed at assessing the potential of identified reservoirs in the region.

Tamboti-1X: Potential Under Evaluation

The drilling of Tamboti-1X identified oil within an 85-meter net reservoir. However, initial analyses indicate that these Upper Cretaceous sandstones, associated with the Mangetti system, are of lower quality. The operator has conducted a drill stem test (DST) program to clarify the reservoir’s characteristics. The acquired data, including cores and log readings, are currently being analyzed to determine the commercial potential of the well.

Marula-1X: A New Bet on Block 2913B

On February 3, 2025, the Deepsea Mira rig began drilling the Marula-1X well, located in the southern part of Block 2913B. This operation targets Albian sandstone reservoirs within the Marula complex, an area near the prolific Kudu source rock. If results prove positive, this discovery could pave the way for further exploration opportunities within the block.

Additionally, the consortium operating in Block 2913B plans to drill the Olympe-1X prospect by the end of 2025. This campaign aims to test Albian sands within a structural closure, adding another dimension to the production outlook in the region.

The Venus Project in Development Phase

Alongside exploration drilling, partners in Block 2913B continue to advance development studies for the Venus Field, discovered in 2022. Since then, three additional wells have confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons, and four drill stem tests have been successfully conducted. According to projections, the first phase of Venus field production could begin in 2026, with an estimated capacity of 150,000 barrels per day of light crude (~45° API).

Africa Oil holds an indirect interest in these blocks through its 39.5% stake in Impact Oil & Gas, which owns a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B. Impact’s development and exploration costs on these blocks are currently covered by TotalEnergies until Venus achieves commercial production.

The US group has finalised operations at the Begonia field, marking its first offshore deepwater intervention in Angola’s Block 17/06, located 150 kilometres off the coast.
Prolonged attacks on fuel convoys have depleted stocks, destabilised power generation and disrupted economic activity in Bamako and surrounding regions.
Nigerian group Dangote has reduced crude supply to its refinery, citing a strategic adjustment to high oil prices and denying any technical failure.
Reliance Industries reported a 9.67% increase in net profit in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025–2026, driven by recovering petrochemical margins and continued growth in its retail and telecom operations.
An operational fire was contained at the largest refinery in the US Midwest, causing a temporary shutdown of several processing units, according to industry data.
The European Commission imposes new rules requiring proof of refined crude origin and excludes the use of mass-balancing to circumvent the Russian oil ban.
The Dutch Supreme Court has rejected Russia's final appeal, confirming a record $50bn compensation to former Yukos shareholders, ending two decades of legal battle.
A ruling by Namibia's High Court upheld the media regulator’s decision that the state broadcaster NBC failed to ensure balance in its coverage of ReconAfrica’s oil operations.
The Canadian oilfield services provider announced a $75mn private placement of 6.875% senior unsecured notes to refinance bank debt and support operations.
Commercial crude reserves in the United States posted an unexpected increase, reaching their highest level in over a month due to a marked slowdown in refinery activity.
Beijing calls Donald Trump's request to stop importing Russian crude interference, denouncing economic coercion and defending what it calls legitimate trade with Moscow.
India faces mounting pressure from the United States over its purchases of Russian oil, as Donald Trump claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to halt them.
Three Crown Petroleum has started production from its Irvine 1NH well and plans two new wells in Wyoming, marking a notable acceleration of its deployment programme in the Powder River Basin through 2026.
The International Monetary Fund expects oil prices to weaken due to sluggish global demand growth and the impact of US trade policies.
With lawsuits multiplying against oil majors, Republican lawmakers are seeking to establish federal immunity to block legal actions tied to environmental damage.
The United Kingdom targets two Russian oil majors, Asian ports and dozens of vessels in a new wave of sanctions aimed at disrupting Moscow's hydrocarbon exports.
Major global oil traders anticipate a continued decline in Brent prices, citing the fading geopolitical premium and rising supply, particularly from non-OPEC producers.
Canadian company Petro-Victory Energy Corp. has secured a $300,000 unsecured loan at a 14% annual rate, including 600,000 warrants granted to a lender connected to its board of directors.
Cenovus Energy has purchased over 21.7 million common shares of MEG Energy, representing 8.5% of its capital, as part of its ongoing acquisition strategy in Canada.
In September 2025, French road fuel consumption rose by 3%, driven by a rebound in unleaded fuels, while overall energy petroleum product consumption fell by 1.8% year-on-year.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.