bp can confirm the preliminary results of the Volans-1X exploration well in Namibia’s Orange Basin, as reported by operator Rhino Resources.
Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85), where the well was drilled, is operated by Rhino Resources with a working interest of 42.5%. Co-venturers are Azule Energy (42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%). bp holds a 50% interest in Azule Energy.
The Volans-1X exploration well, drilled using the Northern Ocean’s semi-submersible Deepsea Mira, reached a total depth of 4,497.5m TVDSS (true vertical depth subsea) and successfully penetrated the Upper Cretaceous target. The well encountered 26m of net pay in rich gas condensate-bearing reservoirs, with the reservoir showing excellent petrophysical properties and no observed water contact. Initial laboratory analysis of two samples indicated a high condensate-to-gas ratio (CGR) of >140 bbl/mmscf with liquid density of approximately 40° API gravity. The results are undergoing further evaluation.
Key data points: The growth forecast = 6.6% annually for the next 7 years. Scroll below to get more insights. This market report covers trends, opportunities and forecasts in smart oilfield market to 2031 by component (hardware, software, and services), technology (internet of things, artificial intelligence & machine learning, cloud computing, data analytics, and automation & remote monitoring), application (upstream activities, midstream activities, and downstream activities), end use (independent oil & gas operators, national oil companies, international oil companies, service companies, government & regulatory bodies, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)
Download free sample pagesThe Volans-1X well marks the third significant hydrocarbon discovery in 2025 for Azule Energy partners, following the Capricornus-1X light oil find in Namibia and the Gajajeira-01 gas discovery in Angola. bp has made eleven exploration discoveries this year across several basins, including the Far South discovery in the Gulf of America and well 1-BP-13-SPS at the Bumerangue block in Brazil’s Santos Basin, where it holds 100% participation.
