Shell gets permission to drill off South Africa’s west coast

By Reuters

Shell has been granted environmental authorisation to drill up to five deep-water wells off South Africa’s west coast, the company said on Friday.

The oil major applied for authorisation last year and plans to drill exploration or appraisal wells in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block in the Orange Basin, at water depths ranging between 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) and 3,200 metres (10,500 ft).

Oil companies, including TotalEnergies, are aiming to drill off South Africa’s west coast, where the prolific Orange Basin extends southwards into the country’s waters, with hopes of replicating significant discoveries made in neighbouring Namibia.

“Should viable resources be found offshore, this could significantly contribute to South Africa’s energy security and the government’s economic development programmes,” Shell said in a statement without providing any timelines.

Shell’s previous exploration programme along South Africa’s east coast has been disrupted by court litigation over concerns about lack of public consultation and that seismic