Shell Seek Permission To Drill Off South Africa’s West Coast

Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab is seeking government permission authorities to drill up to five offshore wells off the west coast of South Africa, a draft scoping report from environmental consultancy SLR showed on Tuesday.

Shell Offshore Upstream South Africa B.V. and its joint venture partners need environmental authorisation from the government before they can operate in the Northern Cape Ultra Deep Block (NCUD) in the Orange Basin.

Oil prices edged lower on Monday, reversing course after four weeks of gains, as hopes of a ceasefire deal in Gaza eased worries of tightening supply.

Water depths in the region range between 2,500 metres and 3,200 metres.
Operator Shell wants to drill exploration and appraisal wells as oil companies shift their focus south of Namibia, where a string of discoveries in its prolific Orange Basin holds the potential of more finds.
The Orange Basin extends southwards into South Africa waters and has also attracted the interest of rival Total Energies (TTEF.PA)

Reuters/Patience Ameh