Galp Energia's Santorini Drillship Arrives Off Namibia's Coast for Major Oil Exploration

The Santorini drillship, leased from Italian energy company Eni, has arrived offshore Namibia to conduct a single-well exploration campaign for Portuguese energy firm Galp Energia.

The vessel, owned by the engineering company Saipem, previously worked on Eni’s Baleine field offshore Côte d’Ivoire and is known for its ultra-deepwater drilling capabilities.

With a payload capacity surpassing 20,000 tonnes, the Santorini can reduce operating costs by minimizing the need for frequent supply vessel trips. Additionally, it features advanced well-control equipment and accommodations for up to 215 personnel, making it suitable for the challenging conditions anticipated at the Mopane Complex.

The deployment comes after Galp's recent discovery in the region, with estimates indicating at least 10 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent.

Galp Energia holds an 80% interest in Petroleum Exploration License 83 (PEL 83), covering nearly 10,000 square kilometers in Namibia’s Orange Basin. Namibia’s national oil company, NAMCOR, and independent exploration group Custos each hold a 10% stake in the license.

As of the first half of 2024, Galp has invested approximately N$2.1 billion in upstream projects within Namibia.