In recent years, Namibia’s emergence as a frontier for offshore oil and gas exploration has made global headlines. Behind much of this progress stands Northern Ocean Ltd, an international drilling contractor whose world-class offshore rigs, Deepsea Mira and Deepsea Bollsta, have played a vital role in unlocking the country’s energy potential.

Earlier this year, both the Deepsea Mira and Deepsea Bollsta were active in Namibian waters. 

This dual-rig operation enabled employment and training opportunities for over 80 Namibians, with about 40 local professionals still working aboard the Deepsea Mira today. From technical roles to logistics and hospitality support, Northern Ocean has provided career pathways for Namibians in the offshore energy sector.

Johnathan Shows, Northern Ocean’s regional operations manager in Namibia, said the company’s commitment extends far beyond the rig floor.

“I’ve had the full support of our CEO to ensure that our efforts make a meaningful impact,” Shows shared. “We’ve actively partnered with schools in Katutura, developing sports courts and donating essential sports equipment. 

These projects reflect Northern Ocean’s long-term investment in the well-being and development of Namibian communities.”

Such initiatives not only support youth development but help bridge socio-economic gaps through empowerment and opportunity.

From workforce development to community empowerment, Northern Ocean Ltd has become a strategic enabler of Namibia’s broader economic growth. The company continues to prioritise local procurement, engaging Namibian businesses and suppliers to deliver critical onshore support services.

Arne Jacobsen, chief executive officer of Northern Ocean Ltd said, “For the past two years, the Deepsea Mira rig has been a cornerstone of Namibia’s energy sector, drilling the majority of wells in the region. 

This stability has allowed us to invest in Namibian talent—with nearly 40% of our offshore crew now local—and boost the onshore economy through targeted procurement and community investment.”

“However, sustaining this momentum requires continued drilling activity. 

Without active rigs, there can be no progress in building local expertise or economic prosperity. Securing uninterrupted drilling operations is critical to driving Namibia’s long-term energy independence and national development.”

As Namibia prepares for its next chapter in offshore exploration, Northern Ocean Ltd remains ready to support this journey—not just as a service provider, but as a true development partner. The company’s rigs may be some of the most sophisticated in the world, but it’s their investment in Namibian people, skills and infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy.

Headquartered internationally, Northern Ocean Ltd owns and operates two of the most-advanced semi-submersible drilling rigs in the world. Purpose-built for operations in harsh environments, these rigs integrate cutting-edge green energy technologies to deliver safe, efficient and environmentally-conscious drilling solutions.

Since 2022, Northern Ocean’s rigs have supported multiple exploration campaigns offshore Namibia. These operations have not only advanced the country’s position in the global energy landscape, but have also delivered significant local economic and employment benefits.

Currently, the Deepsea Mira, built in 2018 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, is docked in Walvis Bay, awaiting the next drilling campaign. 

Operated by Odfjell Drilling, the rig boasts a Moss Maritime CS-60 design, upgraded specifically for Namibian conditions to operate in water depths of up to 3,150 metres—an engineering feat that underscores the rig’s capability and relevance for the region’s deepwater prospects.