Chevron partners with Bachmus to reintroduce Caltex brand in Namibia
Chevron Brands International LLC, a subsidiary of U.S.-based energy giant Chevron Corporation, has signed a long-term retail trademark licensing agreement with Bachmus Oil and Fuel Supplies (PTY) LTD. This strategic partnership marks the return of the Caltex® brand to the Namibian fuel retail market.
Under the agreement, Bachmus will serve as Chevron’s licensee, responsible for selling, marketing, and distributing fuels under the Caltex brand across Namibia. The partnership aims to grow the network of Caltex-branded service stations nationwide, providing Namibian motorists with quality and reliable energy solutions. Caltex, a globally recognised premium brand owned by Chevron, is known for its presence in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
This agreement strengthens Chevron’s footprint in Namibia, complementing its upstream oil and gas activities.
In 2022, Chevron re-entered the Namibian market by acquiring an 80% operating interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 90, located offshore southern Namibia in water depths of 2,300-3,300 metres covering an area of 5,433 square kilometres, in the Orange Basin. The Orange Basin has seen significant discoveries by Shell and TotalEnergies, with estimates of at least 11 billion barrels of light oil-in-place and up to 8.7 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place.
In April 2024, Chevron further expanded its operations by acquiring an 80% operating interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 82 in the Walvis Basin. The Walvis Basin is also considered a promising new frontier for oil and gas exploration, with Chevron taking a significant stake to explore its potential.
The first oil production from these new offshore discoveries is not expected to begin until at least 2029. By 2035, analysts predict Namibia could be producing around 380,000 barrels of oil per day.
Danielle Lincoln, vice president of Chevron International Products, highlighted the significance of the Bachmus agreement. “Re-entering the Namibia retail market is a significant milestone for Chevron. Through a network of retail fuels sites nationwide, we plan to build the strength of the Caltex brand in close collaboration with Bachmus.”
Corne Schalkwyk, managing director of Bachmus Oil and Fuel Supplies, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “We are honored to partner with Chevron as they return to Namibia’s retail market with its Caltex brand. Bachmus has the expertise and the infrastructure to support the growth of Caltex-branded fuel stations in Namibia. We believe the synergies between Bachmus and Chevron will bring great value for the consumers in the form of quality products and services. We look forward to collaborating closely with them to provide energy solutions to the Namibia market.”
Caltex, a joint venture between Chevron and Texaco, ceased to exist as an independent company in 2001 when Chevron Corporation acquired Texaco. This merger led to the creation of ChevronTexaco, and the Caltex brand continued as a subsidiary and brand under Chevron’s umbrella. By 2005, the company simplified its name to Chevron Corporation, with Caltex remaining as one of its prominent fuel brands in various regions. Caltex exited Namibia’s fuel retail market around 2008.
Bachmus Oil & Fuel Supplies was established in 1994 and specialises in the supply of various lubricants, oils, and hydraulics for a myriad number of applications in the industrial, mining, marine, agriculture, automotive, manufacturing, energy, and construction industries. The company is headquartered in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
