Deepsea Mira Drilling Rig Secures New Namibian Exploration Contract
Northern Ocean Ltd.’s semisubmersible Deepsea Mira has landed another drilling assignment offshore Namibia, where it will conduct exploration operations for Rhino Resources Ltd. The 10,000-foot harsh environment rig, currently stationed at Walvis Bay port after completing recent TotalEnergies operations, will drill the Volans-1X exploration well.
The drilling campaign is scheduled to begin between late July and early August 2025, with operations expected to last approximately 55 days. The Volans prospect sits in close proximity to Rhino’s successful Capricornus and Sagittarius discoveries, which were drilled using Noble drillship Noble Discoverer between December 2024 and early May 2025.
Rhino Resources CEO Travis Smithard explained that the decision to proceed with a third exploration well rather than immediate appraisal drilling represents a strategic shift for the PEL85 joint venture. The move was based on encouraging seismic calibration between Capricornus and Volans, with the latter prospect potentially offering development advantages due to its sheet-like morphology. Rhino Resources operates PEL85 with a 42.5% interest, alongside partners Azule Energy (42.5%), Namibia’s state-owned NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).
Source: namibiaoilandgas.com
