Northern Ocean Ltd.’s semisubmersible Deepsea Mira has secured another assignment offshore Namibia, where it will soon drill an exploration well for Rhino Resources Ltd.
The Volans-1X well will be drilled by the 10,000-ft harsh environment semisubmersible Deepsea Mira, which recently concluded operations for TotalEnergies offshore Namibia and is currently at Walvis Bay port. The spud date for the new exploration well is anticipated between late July and early August 2025, with drilling expected to take around 55 days. Deepsea Mira is owned by Northern Ocean and managed by Odfjell Drilling.
The new probe will target the Volans prospect, situated in close proximity to the Capricornus and Sagittarius discoveries. Rhino drilled Capricornus and Sagittarius with Noble drillship Noble Discoverer, carrying out drilling from December 2024 to early May 2025.
The decision to proceed with a third exploration well rather than immediate appraisal drilling represents a shift in strategy by the PEL85 joint venture. According to Rhino Resources Chief Executive Travis Smithard, the decision to move forward with Volans was based on encouraging seismic calibration between Capricornus and Volans. Volans is thought to exhibit a sheet-like morphology, potentially offering development advantages should the well prove successful.
Rhino Resources operates PEL85 with a 42.5% interest. Joint venture partners include Azule Energy (42.5%), Namibia’s state-owned NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).