Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd., a leading independent oil and gas exploration company focused on the Atlantic Margin, has announced key developments in its Namibian portfolio aimed at optimising operations and exploration focus.
Eco has signed deeds of amendments and secured license extensions across all four of its Petroleum Exploration Licences (PEL) in Namibia. In addition, Eco has farmed out its total 85% Working Interest, pending government approval, in PEL 98 (Block 2213 “Sharon Block”) to an arms-length wholly Namibian-owned company, Lamda Energy (Pty) Ltd.
These strategic developments allow Eco to focus on unlocking the hydrocarbon potential of its highly prospective and deeper water acreage in Namibia while continuing to support local ownership and operational leadership. The Company is currently receiving interest to farm down the extended licenses and their revised work programmes.
Farm-Out of PEL 98 to Lamda Energy
As Eco shifts its geological focus to deeper proven plays in Namibia, the Company has approved the Farm-Out of its entire 85% Participating Interest in the shallower PEL 98 Block 2213 to locally owned Lamda Energy.
Lamda Energy is a privately owned and operated offshore oil and gas company with an experienced Operating Team. Lamda Energy will become a wholly Namibian-owned qualified offshore Operator upon Ministerial approval. This Farm-Out aligns with Eco’s longstanding commitment to advancing local participation and partnerships in Namibia’s oil and gas sector.
Under the terms of the Farm-Out Agreement, Lamda Energy will make an up-front payment to Eco for administrative costs, and, on completion, will assume all obligations and liabilities associated with PEL 98. In addition, in the event of a future farm-out by Lamda Energy to a third party, Lamda Energy will be required to make certain payments to Eco at a fixed quantum per percentage interest farmed out, up to a maximum of US$2 million.
Eco will retain a board seat at Lamda Energy to support a comprehensive transition and knowledge transfer, ensuring a smooth and responsible handover. This marks a significant milestone in building local capacity and advancing inclusive energy development.
Portfolio-Wide Newly Negotiated Schedules and Work Programmes:
The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia has formally approved a 12-month extension to the First Renewal Exploration Period for all four licenses, granted under Section 30 (2A) of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act. The revised expiry date for the First Renewal Exploration Period is now September 2026. In summary: one (1) year extension granted to the Initial Exploration Period for PELs 97, 98, 99 and 100; Optional First Renewal Period of two (2) years, after extension year; Optional Extension of the First Renewal Period of additional one (1) year, after First Renewal; Optional Second Renewal Period of an additional two (2) years, after First Renewal Extension. These extended schedules provide Eco and its partners additional time to pursue enhanced exploration activities and attract new farm-in partners to the licenses.
The updated and approved Work Programmes include on PEL 97 3D seismic reprocessing, and a ~1000 km2 3D seismic survey and processing on each of PEL 99 and 100. An Environmental Clearance Certificate, issued on 15 June 2025 by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, authorises Eco to undertake the planned seismic activities across its licenses in the deepwater Walvis Basin offshore Namibia.
“These developments represent an important step in our tactical vision and an optimisation of our Namibian portfolio and work programmes. I want to sincerely thank our dedicated team and our key stakeholders within the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy, who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to ensure a mutually beneficial plan and a smooth transition for the Farm-Out of PEL 98 (Sharon Block). Their support has been instrumental in the alignment of our efforts on our deeper water PELs 97, 99, and 100, which have been the recent focus of industry partners.
“This strategy builds on Eco’s long-standing history of pioneering and supporting local involvement and contributions, beginning with the first proposal of NAMCOR as a 10% carried interest partner in 2011. Additionally, with the introduction of our new license issuance in 2021, which includes a 5% Local Partner (carried) allocationon each of our blocks, we remain firmly committed to promoting local content and ensuring equitable partnerships for Namibian stakeholders and colleagues. With these license extensions and updated work programmes, we are now well-positioned to unlock further value in Namibia. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Industries Petroleum Commissioner for her collaborative work and guidance, as well as to our Namibia country manager, Tironenn Kauluma, for his ongoing leadership and stakeholder engagement efforts,” Gil Holzman, President and CEO of Eco Atlantic, commented.
