QatarEnergy discovers oil at Merlin-1X offshore Namibia

Key highlights
  • Merlin-1X is the tenth well drilled under PEL 0039 and produced the most promising subsurface results to date.
  • The discovery encountered light oil with good reservoir quality and limited associated gas.
  • QatarEnergy cites the result as reinforcing confidence in the Orange Basin as an emerging hydrocarbon province.
  • QatarEnergy holds stakes in four Namibian offshore licences (PEL 0039: 45%; PEL 0056: 35.25%; PEL 0091: 33.03%; PEL 0090: 27.5%), covering ~34,000 km²; partners include Shell and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia.

Discovery details

QatarEnergy reported an oil discovery from the Merlin-1X exploration well in Petroleum Exploration License 39 (PEL 0039), offshore Namibia. Merlin-1X is the tenth well drilled under the licence and delivered the most promising subsurface results to date, with good reservoir quality, light oil and limited associated gas.

Holdings and partners

QatarEnergy holds interests in four Namibian offshore licences: PEL 0039 (45%), PEL 0056 (35.25%), PEL 0091 (33.03%) and PEL 0090 (27.5%), collectively covering approximately 34,000 square kilometres. The company credited partners Shell and the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia for the achievement.

Strategic context

QatarEnergy said the result strengthens confidence in the Orange Basin as an emerging world-class hydrocarbon province and aligns with its strategy to expand its international upstream portfolio through high-impact exploration. The company also acknowledged support from the Government of the Republic of Namibia for the exploration effort.

Source: QatarEnergy

chemXplore 2026 industry outlook