Shell Advances Offshore Exploration Plans Along South Africa’s West Coast
Shell is seeking government permission for a drilling project off South Africa’s western shores, proposing to drill up to five wells in the region according to a draft scoping report from environmental consultancy SLR.
The exploration and appraisal wells target the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block in the Orange Basin, where water depths range between 2,500-3,200 meters. Shell Offshore Upstream South Africa B.V. and its joint venture partners require environmental authorization before operating in the area.
The Orange Basin has attracted significant industry attention following successful discoveries in Namibia’s prolific Orange Basin, with the geological formation extending southward into South African waters. TotalEnergies has also expressed interest in the region.
Shell has faced legal challenges from environmental and human rights organizations regarding its exploration activities along South Africa’s coast. However, a South African appeals court recently suspended a previous ruling that halted Shell’s offshore exploration on the Wild Coast, providing another opportunity for public consultation while recognizing the exploration right.
Source: Egypt Oil & Gas
