Eni Confirms Promising Results from Capricornus 1-X Well in Namibia’s Orange Basin

Eni Confirms Promising Results from Capricornus 1-X Well in Namibia’s Orange Basin

(IN BRIEF) Eni has confirmed the preliminary findings of the Capricornus 1-X well, drilled in Namibia’s Orange Basin under PEL85 by operator Rhino Resources. The well encountered 38 meters of net pay in the Lower Cretaceous with strong reservoir characteristics and no water contact. A successful production test yielded a surface-constrained rate exceeding 11,000 stb/d of light 37° API oil, low in gas and contaminants. With fluid samples collected for further analysis, the well is now being temporarily plugged and abandoned. The results mark a promising development for the license’s partners: Rhino Resources, Azule Energy (Eni and bp), Namcor, and Korres Investments.

(PRESS RELEASE) MILAN, 25-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Eni has confirmed the encouraging preliminary results announced by operator Rhino Resources following the drilling of the Capricornus 1-X exploration well in Namibia’s Orange Basin. The well, located within Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85), marks a significant step forward in assessing the hydrocarbon potential of the region.

Drilled using the Noble Venturer drillship, Capricornus 1-X was spudded on 17 February 2025 and reached its total depth by 2 April 2025, successfully intersecting its primary target in the Lower Cretaceous formation. The operation revealed 38 meters of net hydrocarbon pay, with high-quality reservoir properties and no water contact detected.

A comprehensive wireline logging program was conducted, during which sidewall cores and fluid samples were collected. Notably, the well underwent a successful production test across the identified light oil-bearing zone. The test yielded a surface-constrained flow rate exceeding 11,000 stock tank barrels per day (stb/d) on a 40/64” choke. The light 37° API oil contained less than 2% CO₂, no hydrogen sulphide, and exhibited minimal associated gas.

Samples retrieved during the test will undergo further laboratory analysis to validate the reservoir’s potential and support future development decisions.

Following the successful evaluation, the well is set to be temporarily plugged and abandoned, and the drillship will be released from operations.

PEL85 is operated by Rhino Resources with a 42.5% interest, alongside co-venturers Azule Energy (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Korres Investments (5%). Azule Energy is a joint venture equally owned by Eni and bp.

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SOURCE: Eni