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Zephyr Marine Services Signals New Era for Namibian Oil Services as Taimi Nangula Itembu Steps into Leadership

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African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Chamber – as the voice of the African energy sector – celebrates and commends the launch of Zephyr Marine Services. The milestone represents a huge step in the growth of Namibia’s energy sector and the strengthening of the country’s local content development

WINDHOEK, Namibia, March 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Namibia’s rapidly expanding offshore energy sector has gained a critical new enabler with the launch of Zephyr Marine Services Pty Ltd – a locally owned company dedicated to marine asset logistics and operational solutions. At the helm is co-Founder and Executive Director Taimi Nangula Itembu, a respected Namibian professional now stepping into a leadership role focused on building domestic capacity to support the country’s maritime and offshore industries.

 

Itembu brings a strong track record of public sector, policy and international engagement to her new role. Her career spans key institutions including the Judiciary of Namibia and the Parliament of Namibia, where she contributed to legislative processes, governance oversight and institutional reform. She later built extensive experience in public and government affairs within the energy sector, gaining insight into stakeholder engagement, regulatory frameworks and the strategic priorities shaping Namibia’s oil and gas landscape.

She has held various positions at ExxonMobil, including Deputy Country Manager for Namibia, before moving on to a global role in Europe in Public and Government Affair. Her early career also includes work with the U.S. Department of State, strengthening U.S.-Namibian relations. Academically, Itembu holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from St. Francis Xavier University. Her transition into Zephyr Marine Services reflects a deliberate move toward building Namibian-led solutions.

We are creating solutions that understand local realities, respond to local challenges and contribute to long-term national growth

“I am deeply grateful for my time at ExxonMobil, which provided an exceptional platform for growth, learning and professional development. The experience, mentorship and exposure I gained have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of Namibia’s energy landscape and the broader global industry. I leave with immense appreciation for the opportunities I was given and carry those lessons forward as I take on this next chapter,” Itembu said.

The launch of Zephyr Marine Services comes at a critical time for the Namibian oil and gas industry. With first oil on the cards for 2029 – led by the TotalEnergies-operated Venus and Mopane fields -, the demand for robust, locally-driven logistics, marine coordination and operational support continues to rise. TotalEnergies aims to reach FID for the Venus project in 2026 and recently signed an agreement with Galp Energia – former operator of the Mopane field – granting it operatorship of PEL 83. Under the terms of the deal, Galp will retain a stake in PEL 83 while assuming a 10% stake in the Venus project.

Other players are driving exploration activities in Namibia’s off- and onshore basins. In 2025, several milestones were achieved, including Rhino Resources’ light oil discovery at the Capricornus 1-X well in April. Chevron announced plans to embark on a 2026/2027 drilling campaign while ReconAfrica completed drilling at the Kavango West 1X well (onshore). Looking ahead, ReconAfrica plans to return to Kavango West 1X in 2026 to conduct a production test. Offshore, Shell could likely drill an exploration well at PEL 39, Chevron at PEL 82 and Rhino Resources is targeting 2 appraisal wells at Capricornus and Volans. Continued exploration across the Orange and Walvis Basins are expected through 2028, strengthening Namibia’s position as a future production hub.

Stepping into this picture, the launch of Zephyr Marine Services is expected to not only support upcoming drilling campaigns but position Namibian expertise at the heart of the country’s next development phase. Offering tailored, efficient and reliable solutions designed specifically for Namibia’s evolving offshore ecosystem, the company represents more than a service provider, but a broader shift toward local participation, innovation and ownership in the country’s energy value chain. Zephyr Marine Services is looking at building real industrial capability in Namibia, taking on high-barrier entry services and supporting the country’s move toward first oil production.

“This is about building something meaningful for Namibia. Zephyr Marine Services is rooted in the belief that Namibians should not only participate in our country’s energy future but actively shape it. We are creating solutions that understand local realities, respond to local challenges and contribute to long-term national growth,” said Itembu.

The company’s mission is clear: to support Namibia’s growing maritime and offshore industries with efficient, reliable and locally driven marine logistics solutions. From vessel coordination and asset management to operational planning, Zephyr Marine Services is positioning itself as a critical link between upstream operators and on-the-ground execution.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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Beyond Stabroek: Guyana’s Offshore Basin Attracts New Wave of Exploration Investment

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As ExxonMobil advances appraisal activity in Stabroek and new operators target frontier acreage, Guyana is attracting global capital and building a diversified offshore portfolio designed to sustain long-term growth

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Guyana’s transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers is entering a new phase, with a growing network of IOCs expanding exploration activity across the country’s offshore basin. Beyond the landmark discoveries that first put Guyana on the global energy map, new drilling campaigns and licensing partnerships are creating a broader exploration ecosystem designed to support long-term production growth.

At the center of this momentum is ExxonMobil’s continued exploration and appraisal activity in the prolific Stabroek Block. The company has submitted a proposal for a 35-well exploration and appraisal drilling campaign, expected to run from 2028 through 2033, pending regulatory approval. The program would build on more than 30 commercial discoveries already made in the block, with drilling activity focused on evaluating new prospects and appraising existing discoveries to support future development opportunities.

Exploration activity is also extending into Guyana’s frontier acreage, with ExxonMobil advancing drilling operations at the deepwater Canje Block. The company has deployed the Noble Stena Carron drillship for exploration activity, highlighting continued industry interest in evaluating Guyana’s underexplored offshore potential beyond the established Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s strong exploration outlook comes as the country’s economy continues to benefit from rapid oil sector expansion, with hydrocarbons expected to remain a key driver of exports, government revenues and economic growth. As production scales up, attracting additional investment across exploration, services and infrastructure will be critical to supporting the next phase of development.

That momentum is being reinforced through partnerships established under Guyana’s 2023 offshore licensing round. A consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and Petronas is advancing exploration activities in Block S4 under a five-year production sharing agreement signed with the government in late 2025. The award represents one of the first major outcomes of the licensing round and demonstrates continued international confidence in Guyana’s offshore resource potential.

Beyond the largest operators, a diverse group of companies is also expanding activity across Guyana’s offshore basin. Eco Atlantic is advancing exploration at the Orinduik Block; CGX Energy and Frontera Energy are progressing work in the Corentyne Block; Occidental is evaluating opportunities in the Roraima Block; while Ratio Guyana and Cataleya Energy hold interests in the Kaieteur Block. Together, these partnerships are broadening Guyana’s exploration landscape, increasing competition for acreage and creating opportunities for future discoveries.

As Guyana transitions from an emerging producer to a global energy hub, the next challenge will be converting exploration success into sustainable investment, local value creation and regional growth. These opportunities will be explored at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments, IOCs, investors and technology providers, the event will examine how Guyana’s expanding partnerships can accelerate offshore development, strengthen regional energy cooperation and attract the capital needed to support the Caribbean’s evolving energy landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Energy Capital & Power Establishes London Entity, Expanding Global Platform for Energy and Mining Events

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The move strengthens ECP’s presence in the UK and Europe, and its ability to connect African and South American markets with global investors

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ –International events company Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) has officially established its UK entity in London, marking a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class energy and mining events and campaigns in the UK and Europe.

By establishing a presence in a key hub like London – the pre-eminent energy and mining finance center – ECP actively shapes the global energy conversation. The expansion positions ECP to better serve clients, partners and investors seeking to develop business opportunities between Africa, Europe, the Americas and energy markets worldwide.

Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital

The milestone comes as ECP strengthens its reach through a series of investment platforms that connect global capital to energy and mining projects. These include the Venezuela Energy Week London Showcase on July 30 – with over 300 delegates registered – and the annual Invest in African Energy Forum, held in Paris as the premier event connecting global investors to Africa’s energy transformation.

ECP hosts high level summits and investor conferences in leading energy and minerals producing countries in Africa and South America, including: Venezuela Energy Week; Angola Oil & Gas; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power; African Mining Week; Libya Energy & Economic Summit; Congo Energy & Investment Forum; South Sudan Oil & Power; and Caribbean Energy Week. The company has hosted investor forums and supported licensing round roadshows in Houston, London and Paris since 2016.

“Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital,” states CEO James Chester. “Having a permanent presence in London further cements our footprint in Europe, enabling us to fulfil our mission to bring minerals and energy investment to diverse global markets.”

With teams located across Africa, Europe and the Americas, ECP has long-facilitated strategic engagement, market intelligence and industry convening, uniting investors with leading energy and mining projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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