Shell Namibia Upstream discovered light oil at the Merlin-1X exploration well in the Orange Basin. The discovery occurred within the PEL 0039 license area off the coast of Namibia. The well yielded high-quality light oil with limited associated gas.
Eugene Okpere, Shell’s Executive Vice President for Exploration, stated the results significantly enhance the understanding of the basin’s potential. Shell is collaborating with partners QatarEnergy and NAMCOR to assess the discovery's commercial viability.
The partners are currently employing a data-led approach to evaluate the resource. Shell is considering additional drilling activities for later in 2026 as part of a broader appraisal program.