press releases
Nabirm Welcomes Strengthened Norway-Namibia Cooperation and Highlights Adoption of 3D CSEM Tech
Windhoek, Namibia — April 2026
Nabirm welcomes the recent strengthening of cooperation between the Governments of Namibia and Norway in support of Namibia’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector. The growing collaboration between the two nations reflects Namibia’s commitment to adopting globally recognized standards in offshore petroleum governance, technical capability, and responsible resource management.
Norway’s internationally recognized expertise in managing hydrocarbon resources transparently and sustainably provides an important benchmark as Namibia transitions from frontier exploration toward large-scale offshore development. Nabirm supports initiatives that enhance technical collaboration, institutional capacity, and knowledge transfer between Namibia and leading global petroleum jurisdictions.
As an indigenous Namibian upstream company, Nabirm has been at the forefront of adopting advanced exploration technologies designed to reduce risk and improve exploration outcomes. Notably, Nabirm became the first Namibian-based company to execute a 3D Controlled Source Electromagnetic (CSEM) contract in the Walvis Basin, working in partnership with Norwegian geophysical technology provider Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (EMGS).
The adoption of advanced 3D CSEM technology represents a critical milestone in Namibia’s upstream evolution. By integrating electromagnetic imaging with seismic data, this technology enhances subsurface understanding, improves drilling success probability, and enables more efficient capital deployment across exploration programmes.
Commenting on the development, Nabirm Chief Executive Officer Olayinka Arowolo stated:
"The strengthening of cooperation between Namibia and Norway represents an important step in building a technically robust and globally competitive upstream sector. As a Namibian operator, we are proud to have taken an early leadership role in deploying advanced 3D CSEM technology, demonstrating our commitment to responsible exploration and long-term value creation for Namibia."
Nabirm remains committed to supporting Namibia’s emergence as a world-class petroleum province through the application of innovative exploration technologies and disciplined project execution. The company continues to work closely with regulators, technical partners, and international stakeholders to ensure that exploration activities are conducted in alignment with international best practices and Namibia’s national development priorities.
As Namibia advances toward the next phase of offshore exploration and development, Nabirm believes that early adoption of proven technologies—combined with strong international cooperation—will be essential to unlocking the full potential of the country’s offshore basins and delivering sustainable economic benefits to the nation.
April 20, 2020
Nabirm notes the announcement by Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (“EMGS”) that it has received a letter of intent for a new multi-client Controlled Source Electromagnetic (“CSEM”) survey in the Walvis Basin, offshore Namibia. The survey will be funded by a joint venture consortium operating in adjacent blocks.
EMGS will deploy its next-generation broadband source technology, “Deep Blue,” a deep-towed system developed in partnership with Shell and Equinor. The scope also includes data processing, 3D Gauss-Newton inversion, and integrated interpretation services.
EMGS CEO Bjørn Petter Lindhom stated: “We are pleased to receive this commitment for a multi-client campaign in the Walvis Basin. This also enables EMGS to convert an existing acquisition contract in Block 2113A with Nabirm from a vessel-of-opportunity arrangement to a firm survey commitment in 2020.”
Nabirm CEO Olayinka Arowolo added: “We welcome this investment by major international operators in the basin. Over Block 2113A, the 3D CSEM data will be acquired across our identified 2D seismic prospects and leads, enabling more precise mapping and an updated assessment of prospective resources.”
Proprietary acquisition for Nabirm
August 1, 2019
Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (“EMGS”) has been awarded a proprietary 3D Controlled Source Electromagnetic (“CSEM”) survey contract by Nabirm Global LLC for Block 2113A (PEL 0058) in the Walvis Basin, offshore Namibia. The contract includes full post-acquisition processing, inversion, and interpretation services.
Subject to vessel availability, acquisition is planned for the first half of 2020, with a backstop date of May 2020.
EMGS CEO Bjørn Petter Lindhom commented: “We are pleased to receive this vessel-of-opportunity contract from Nabirm, which reinforces our position as a key partner for operators in Africa. This project aligns with our strategy to develop a multi-client campaign offshore Namibia in 2020.”
Nabirm CEO Olayinka Arowolo added: “We look forward to collaborating with EMGS on this pioneering survey in the region. Their advanced technology will play a crucial role in de-risking our identified prospects. Risk Based Solutions Namibia will support the required permitting and environmental clearance prior to acquisition.”
About Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA
EMGS is a global provider of CSEM and seabed logging services for the oil and gas industry.
Drilling announcements for adjacent acreages to Nabirm’s PEL 58 in the Walvis Basin, Namibia
July 28, 2018
Nabirm , the holder of Petroleum Exploration License ("PEL") 0058 in the Walvis Basin, offshore Namibia, notes increased regional exploration activity as reported by industry publications.
Tullow Oil and Chariot Oil & Gas have contracted the drilling rig Ocean Rig Poseidon to target prospects in acreage adjacent to PEL 0058. Furthermore, Shell Namibia has announced plans to drill two exploration wells in 2019, which may extend the rig's regional presence. Eco Oil & Gas is also preparing for a drilling campaign on its PEL 30 license in the Walvis Basin.
Nabirm CEO Olayinka Arowolo stated: "We are monitoring these developments closely as we advance our own exploration program on PEL 58. A discovery by any of these neighboring operators would be a significant positive event for the basin and for Nabirm."
Nabirm notes recent activity in adjacent license area 0037 in the Walvis Basin, Namibia
SSeptember 14, 2017
Nabirm Global LLC, operator and holder of a 90% interest in Petroleum Exploration License (“PEL”) 0058 offshore Namibia, notes the recent farm-in activity on the adjacent PEL 0037. Tullow Oil has farmed out a 30% interest in the license to ONGC of India. Additionally, Africa Energy Corp. (TSX-V: AFE) has acquired an effective 10% interest in the same block.
These transactions underscore significant and renewed industry confidence in the oil potential of the Walvis Basin. Nabirm holds PEL 0058 with Namcor, the Namibian state oil company, holding the remaining 10% interest.
Olayinka Arowolo, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Nabirm, commented: “The series of transactions on the adjacent block is a strong validation of the Walvis Basin’s prospectivity. It signals a clear commitment by Tullow and its new partners to advance a drilling program in 2018. This refocused activity enhances the probability of a high-impact discovery in the region.”
Nabirm receives government approval to enter the next exploration phase on Namibian license
August 9, 2016
Nabirm Global LLC ("Nabirm") is pleased to announce it has received formal approval from the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy to advance Block 2113A (PEL 0058) into the First Renewal Phase. This decision follows Nabirm and its partner, the state-owned Namcor, meeting and exceeding all exploration obligations during the initial license period.
The 5,750 km² block, located in the Walvis Basin offshore Erongo Province, will now remain in the First Renewal Phase until July 13, 2018, with a subsequent phase extending to July 2020. In recognition of the progress achieved, including the acquisition of over 684 line-kilometers of 2D seismic data, the Ministry has also waived the standard relinquishment requirement, allowing the partnership to continue exploration across the entire license area.
Olayinka Arowolo, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Nabirm, commented: “We are gratified by the Ministry’s decision, which underscores its support for our ongoing commitment to Namibia’s petroleum sector despite challenging market conditions. Together with Namcor, we are now strategically positioned to progress to the next phase of exploration, which includes the planned acquisition of 3D CSEM or seismic data.”
2D Seismic, gravity and magnetics program interpretatio on Nabirm's Block offshore Namibia
November 10, 2015
Nabirm Global LLC ("Nabirm"), an Atlantic margins-focused exploration company, and its partner Namcor (10%) announce the completion of a 2D seismic interpretation program on Block 2113A (PEL 0058) in the Walvis Basin, offshore Namibia. The program was conducted by ION Geophysical.
The survey, acquired by the M/V BGP Pioneer earlier in 2015, consists of 684 line-kilometers of 2D seismic data plus gravity and magnetic readings across the 5,750 km² license area. Following processing by Parallel Geoscience, ION Geophysical completed the final interpretation, with reports delivered on November 4, 2015.
Olayinka Arowolo, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Nabirm, commented: "The interpretation of our 2D data has identified an active hydrocarbon system in the Walvis Basin, with indicators of light oil. While further analysis is required, the shallow water and drilling depths make this a very compelling and intriguing block for our ongoing exploration program."
2D seismic, gravity and magnetics program conclusion, block 2113A offshore Namibia
November 10, 2015
Nabirm Global LLC ("Nabirm"), an Atlantic margins-focused exploration company, and its partner Namcor (10%) announce the completion of a 2D seismic interpretation program on Block 2113A (PEL 0058) in the Walvis Basin, offshore Namibia. The program was conducted by ION Geophysical.
The survey, acquired by the M/V BGP Pioneer earlier in 2015, consists of 684 line-kilometers of 2D seismic data plus gravity and magnetic readings across the 5,750 km² license area. Following processing by Parallel Geoscience, ION Geophysical completed the final interpretation, with reports delivered on November 4, 2015.
Olayinka Arowolo, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Nabirm, commented: "The interpretation of our 2D data has identified an active hydrocarbon system in the Walvis Basin, with indicators of light oil. While further analysis is required, the shallow water and drilling depths make this a very compelling and intriguing block for our ongoing exploration program."