Insight article
UNLOCKING THE ORANGE BASIN’S HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL WITH MULTI-CLIENT DATA
27 Mar 2025
Read Time
3 mins
With billions of barrels already discovered—and much more to come—the Orange Basin is one of the world’s most promising frontiers. We’re helping explorers move faster and smarter with multi-client seismic data that brings clarity to complexity. The opportunity is vast. And Shearwater is right at the centre of it.The Orange Basin offshore Namibia and South Africa has emerged as one of the top hydrocarbon exploration areas across the globe. Recent discoveries have sparked a surge of exploration interest, as the basin’s geology indicates the potential for world class un-tapped resources. As global energy demand continues to rise, this region is positioned to make a significant impact due to its vast, undeveloped oil and gas potential, offering a reliable new source of energy.
Aleksander Olsen, Sales, Processing, and Delivery Manager for multi-client projects at Shearwater, is part of our team committed to delivering top-tier seismic data to the industry. With our newly acquired projects in the basin, we aim to support exploration efforts and provide valuable insights to our clients.
Navigating transformation: Seismic data for responsible exploration in the Orange Basin
Aleksander has worked in the seismic industry for over 20 years and has been following the changes in the energy sector closely.
- It has been a massive transformation in the energy sector and that transformation is still ongoing. We know that the world needs innovation to be able to supply societies with clean energy sources. Still, I believe it needs to be done responsibly. It’s a balance between transitioning to new energy sources and responsible exploration of existing resources like oil and gas to provide societies with the energy they currently need, says Aleksander.
The seismic data and insights provided by Shearwater are crucial in de-risking exploration activities and unlocking hydrocarbon potential in the Orange Basin, contributing to discoveries and economic development in the region.
- By using cutting-edge technology for seismic acquisition and processing we are helping energy companies plan ahead and make sound decisions for exploration activities in this promising basin, says Aleksander.
The untapped potential of the Orange Basin
In recent years, the Orange Basin has proven to be highly prospective with the discovery of multi-billion barrels of light oil. A combination of mature source rocks and well-connected reservoirs create ideal conditions for massive hydrocarbon accumulations.
- The exploration success in Orange Basin has attracted major international oil companies and has resulted in a rise in exploration and appraisal activities, explains Aleksander.
Newly acquired multi-client library has supported these activities, establishing the Orange Basin as a highly attractive basin for hydrocarbon exploration globally. The basin is estimated to contain approximately 10 billion barrels of oil and significant amounts of gas.
- The discovery of multi-billion barrels of oil in Venus, Graff, Moupane and Jonker is only the first steps. There is still a lot of uncharted territory in the basin, and I feel confident that there is a good chance that further significant finds will be made. As exploration continues to expand, I believe the region's geological insights and our multi-client data will play a critical role in unlocking further opportunities, says Aleksander.
Shearwater’s contribution to unlocking the Orange Basin’s potential
Shearwater and Searcher Seismic, have together with NAMCOR (National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia), cooperated to acquire several phases of 3D seismic surveys covering more than 12,000 km² of prospective acreage in the Orange Basin. Using advanced acquisition and data processing, we deliver high-quality seismic data, assisting energy companies in navigating the basin’s geological challenges and ensuring that exploration is done safely and efficiently. These data are accessible as multi-client data.
The Future of the Orange Basin
With multi-client seismic data now readily available, the Orange Basin is set for continued growth. Its combination of deepwater geological potential and the presence of proven source rocks positions the basin to become a major energy hub in the years to come.
- Shearwater’s expertise in seismic acquisition and data processing will continue to play a key role in driving forward responsible exploration efforts and ensuring energy security in the region, says Aleksander.
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