bp has confirmed the preliminary results of the Capricornus 1-X exploration well in Namibia’s Orange Basin, as reported by operator Rhino Resources. Petroleum Exploration License 85, where the well was drilled, is operated by Rhino Resources with a working interest of 42.5%.

The Capricornus 1-X well, spudded on 17 February using the Noble Venturer drillship, reached total depth on 2 April, successfully penetrating the Lower Cretaceous target. The well has 38m of net pay, with the reservoir showing good petrophysical properties and no observed water contact. Hydrocarbon samples and sidewell cores were collected through intensive wireline logging operations.

In addition to wireline acquisition, the well successfully completed a production test across the light oil-bearing reservoir. The well achieved a surface-constrained flow rate in excess of 11,000 stb/d on a 40/64” choke. The light 37° API oil exhibited limited associated gas with less than 2% CO2 and no hydrogen sulphide.

 Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. The well will now be temporarily plugged and abandoned and the rig will be released. Co-venturers are Azule Energy (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Korres Investments (5%) – bp and Eni each hold a 50% interest in Azule Energy.