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 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 in 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 subsequently 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.
Her industry career included several positions at ExxonMobil – among them deputy country manager for Namibia, before transitioning to a global role in public and government affairs in Europe. Her earlier career also included work with the US Department of State, strengthening US-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.
“I am deeply grateful for my time at ExxonMobil, which provided an exceptional platform for growth, learning and professional development,” said Itembu. “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.”
Launching at a Critical Moment
The launch of Zephyr Marine Services comes at a pivotal time for the Namibian oil and gas industry. With first oil anticipated for 2029 — led by the TotalEnergies-operated Venus and Mopane fields — demand for robust, locally driven logistics, marine coordination and operational support continues to grow. TotalEnergies is targeting a final investment decision for the Venus project in 2026 and recently signed an agreement with Galp Energia, the 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.
Exploration activity across Namibia’s offshore and onshore basins is also intensifying. In 2025, several milestones were achieved, including Rhino Resources’ light oil discovery at the Capricornus 1-X well in April. Chevron announced plans for a 2026/2027 drilling campaign, while ReconAfrica completed drilling at the Kavango West 1X well onshore, with plans to return in 2026 to conduct a production test. Offshore, Shell is expected to drill an exploration well at PEL 39, Chevron at PEL 82, and Rhino Resources is targeting two appraisal wells at Capricornus and Volans. Continued exploration across the Orange and Walvis Basins is anticipated through 2028, further strengthening Namibia’s position as a future production hub.
Building Local Capability
Stepping into this landscape, Zephyr Marine Services is positioned to support upcoming drilling campaigns while placing 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 — it signals a broader shift toward local participation, innovation and ownership in the country’s energy value chain.
“This is about building something meaningful for Namibia,” said Itembu. “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.”
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 — with a firm eye on building real industrial capability as the country moves toward first oil production.
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