Fast-tracking ultra-deepwater exploration in Namibia

Unlocking a new deepwater frontier with accelerated value

As the global energy landscape evolves, frontier regions like offshore Namibia are coming sharply into focus. Namibia’s deepwater basins have recently emerged as one of the most promising hydrocarbon plays on the African continent—sparking interest from operators aiming to establish an early-mover advantage.

But opportunity in this part of the world is not without its obstacles. With no history of deepwater development, Namibia lacks the infrastructure, logistics, and operational framework that most offshore campaigns depend on. Add in remote access, long transit times, and a completely greenfield environment, and the challenges quickly mount up.

Against this backdrop, one international energy company set out to drill two ultra-deepwater exploration wells in the region. The target was ambitious, the stakes were high, and the timeline was aggressive. With just a narrow window to initiate operations, the company needed a partner who could do more than provide services. They needed a team that could build a campaign from the ground up and execute it with speed, safety, and certainty.

They turned to SLB.

From mobilization to well delivery, SLB served as the strategic execution partner, delivering a fully integrated solution designed for high-performance in one of the most logistically complex offshore environments in the world. The result: two successful wells, over 10 billion barrels of oil discovered, and a new chapter written in Namibia’s energy story.

Fast-tracking exploration to optimize basin potential

The operator’s objective was to fast-track exploration in Namibia’s ultra-deepwater basin—a region that, while geologically rich, had no prior offshore track record. The plan was to drill two wells in 1,800–1,900 m of water, targeting new play concepts in untested formations. However, moving fast brought three major challenges.

Firstly, there was no local footprint to build on. The operator had no infrastructure in place—no base, no logistics hub, and no in-country experience to lean on. The entire campaign had to be built from scratch, underpinned by a fast and reliable supply chain, local regulatory compliance, and offshore support systems capable of swift scale up.

Secondly, the timeline was very tight. From contract award to first spud, the operator aimed to cut the standard deepwater mobilization cycle from 18 months to just six. This acceleration demanded flawless coordination across global operations, supplier networks, and regulatory approvals.

Thirdly, the logistics were global in scope. Materials and equipment would need to be sourced from around the world and transported to one of Africa’s least-developed offshore corridors. Managing the flow of cargo, customs, and certifications across borders—while maintaining schedule integrity—would require a level of experience and reach that few could offer.

To meet these challenges, the operator needed a partner capable of managing every detail—from logistics and supply chain to drilling execution and safety leadership—all within a framework that would ensure reliability, responsiveness, and integrated performance.

Ultra-deepwater exploration in Namibia: Integrated strategies for cost and carbon reduction

SLB answered the call by deploying a fully integrated well construction solution, custom built for execution in frontier offshore environments. The strategy was clear: simplify complexity, align all contributors under one delivery model, and mobilize global resources with local impact.

The first step was establishing a physical presence in Namibia. SLB moved quickly to develop a local supply base, build out logistics infrastructure, and implement the aviation and marine operations required to support deepwater activity. This foundational work enabled day-to-day continuity and set the stage for large-scale mobilization.

SLB’s global logistics teams leveraged decades of experience in complex supply chain environments—navigating customs, managing multiple freight modes, and proactively mitigating risk at every step of the journey. Our ability to connect global sourcing to local execution was a key enabler in maintaining momentum throughout the campaign.

At the operational level, SLB served as the central coordination hub—bringing together 21 third-party service providers under a single project management framework. By taking responsibility for contractual alignment, logistics coordination, and real-time integration across vendors, SLB eliminated interface gaps and helped establish a consistent rhythm of execution.

Equally important was the project culture. SLB embedded a “one-team” approach across the operator, rig contractor, and all supporting entities—fostering a shared sense of ownership and accountability. Through integrated planning sessions, joint KPIs, and transparent communication, the team operated as a integrated delivery engine, focused on performance and collaboration.

This approach was guided by SLB’s Performance Assurance model—our system-level methodology that combines data, discipline, and domain expertise to deliver predictable, efficient outcomes across the well lifecycle.

Reliable delivery, faster returns

Through a combination of global agility, local execution, and aligned delivery, the project exceeded expectations on every front.

Most notably, the award-to-spud timeline was reduced by 67%, shrinking from a traditional 18-month cycle to just six months. This acceleration preserved the operator’s exploration window, created significant cost savings, and allowed early decision-making on basin potential.

Drilling operations were completed 25 days ahead of the AFE schedule, a reflection of efficient planning, optimized workflows, and minimal downtime. The project’s performance exceeded benchmarks across both speed and reliability.

On the logistics side, SLB’s coordination of 606 shipments from 20 countries was completed without a single delay—an extraordinary result in a region with no previous offshore supply corridor. This flawless execution was a key enabler of continuous offshore activity, preventing non-productive time and avoiding costly delays.

Perhaps most importantly, the campaign led to the discovery of more than 10 billion barrels of oil, making it one of the most significant offshore finds in recent African history. This discovery validated the geologic potential of Namibia’s offshore basin and opened the door to further exploration and investment in the region.

Throughout the campaign, no lost-time injuries were recorded, a testament to SLB’s culture of safety, even under high-intensity operating conditions.

In every dimension—technical, logistical, operational, and strategic—SLB Integration delivered on the promise of performance with purpose. This campaign not only unlocked a new offshore frontier but proved that with the right integration model, even the most ambitious timelines can be met—with precision, safety, and success.