Shell’s Offshore Triumphs

A Closer Look at Namibia's Orange Basin Discoveries

In 2024, Namibia cemented its position as one of Africa’s most promising energy frontiers. At the heart of this transformation is Shell, which announced major oil discoveries in the Orange Basin. These findings, amounting to an estimated 500 million barrels of recoverable oil, have set the stage for long-term economic and industrial growth.

For Lelo Energies, these developments signal a pivotal moment. As a Namibian workforce and crew management solutions provider, we recognize the immense potential for job creation, skill development, and local industry participation in the offshore oil sector.

Shell’s two major finds in the Orange Basin include:

 Graff-1 Discovery (February 2024) – Estimated 200 million barrels of high-quality crude.

Jonker-1X Discovery (April 2024) – Another 300 million barrels, confirming Namibia’s deepwater potential.

These discoveries build on earlier finds in the region and reinforce Namibia’s emergence as a top oil exploration hotspot.

What This Means for Namibia

The successful offshore exploration by Shell and its partners brings several key benefits:

Economic Growth & Investment Boom

  • The discoveries have attracted billions in foreign direct investment.

  • Global energy giants, including TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and QatarEnergy, are now intensifying their exploration efforts.

Massive Job Creation & Workforce Expansion

  • The offshore oil sector requires engineers, technicians, maritime specialists, and logistics support personnel.

  • Lelo Energies is positioned to train and supply skilled Namibians for these emerging roles.

 A Stronger Local Supply Chain

  • Infrastructure projects such as ports, refineries, and logistics hubs will need local support.

  • Namibian companies in manufacturing, catering, and transport services stand to benefit.

Challenges & Considerations

While the discoveries are promising, they also present key challenges:

Infrastructure Development – Namibia must upgrade port facilities, pipelines, and storage capacity to support oil exports.

Regulatory Adjustments – The Namibian government is working on new petroleum laws to ensure fair revenue distribution and sustainability.

Environmental Concerns – As drilling activity expands, marine ecosystems must be protected through strict safety measures and eco-friendly operations.

Lelo Energies is committed to supporting sustainable energy growth by ensuring that Namibian workers are trained in environmentally responsible offshore operations.

Lelo Energies’ Role in This Transformative Era

We see the Shell discoveries as a turning point for Namibia’s workforce, and our mission is to equip Namibians with the expertise needed to participate meaningfully in this energy revolution. Through workforce training & development, we prepare local workers for offshore rig operations, drilling support, and safety management. We actively advocate for policies that prioritize Namibian workers and businesses in oil and gas operations. Committed to sustainable workforce solutions, we ensure that our skilled professionals adhere to international safety and environmental standards.

 

Shell’s discoveries in the Orange Basin are more than just a win for the oil industry; they represent a massive economic shift for Namibia. The country stands on the brink of an oil-driven transformation that could create thousands of jobs and redefine its global energy role.

As Namibia’s leading crew management company, Lelo Energies is dedicated to ensuring that local talent is at the center of this growth. The future is bright, and the time to prepare for Namibia’s oil boom is now.

View source version on

Shell Official Website: Shell.com

NAMCOR Announcement on Jonker-1X Discovery (March 2023): NAMCOR Press Release