"TotalEnergies' latest exploration well offshore Namibia has failed to find any hydrocarbons on what was previously called a "big" ultra-deepwater prospect. This news, coming just days after Rhino Resources drilled a positive exploration probe on the Capricornus prospect in a neighbouring block in the Orange basin, underscores the complex geology of this global oil and gas hot spot. It also leaves the French supermajor scratching its head about where next to explore in Petroleum Exploration Licence 56, which covers block 2913B, and adjacent PEL 91 which covers block 2912. The Marula-1X probe was drilled in Block 2913B to a total measured depth of 6460 metres, but failed to encounter hydrocarbons, according to Africa Oil, a major shareholder in privately-owned well partner Impact Oil & Gas.
This probe was targeting Albian-aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex, about 47 kilometres south of TotalEnergies' Venus-1X discovery well, using the semi-submersible rig Deepsea Mira. The rig left the Marula well location on 25 April, according to marine intelligence provider VesselsValue, and is set to arrive in Walvis Bay port shortly. Spudding on 3 February, Marula-1X was the first exploration probe to be drilled this far south of the Venus discovery which is currently in the early stages of being developed. Previous wells drilled west of Venus, Nara-1X in Block 2912 failed to hit hydrocarbons. However, the Mangetti-1X and Tamboti-1X wells drilled north of Venus both found hydrocarbons, although questions remain over the commerciality.
TotalEnergies has been firming up plans to drill a well on the Olympe prospect in the far south of Block 2912, but it is unclear if the results from Marula-1X will influence this proposal. Impact's chief executive Siraj Ahmed said: “Initial data from the Marula-1X well confirms a disappointing outcome for the Marula prospect. However, the full suite of well data acquired will be integrated into the evaluation to realise the block’s full potential.” Africa Oil's share price on the Stockholm bourse was down about 1.56% at SKr12.67 ($1.31) in mid-morning trading on Monday. TotalEnergies was contacted for comment on the results of its latest exploration well."
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