Italian energy giant Eni has begun production from the second phase of its Baleine oil and gas development offshore Côte d’Ivoire, increasing output from the West African field.
The company announced the successful start-up of Phase 2 this weekend, which will raise production to 60,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas (equivalent to 2 million cubic meters) daily.
Phase 2 development uses the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading Unit (FPSO) Petrojarl Kong, alongside the Floating Storage and Offloading Unit (FSO) Yamoussoukro, which will handle oil exports. The processed natural gas will be used to meet local energy needs via a pipeline built during Phase 1 of the project, according to Eni.
Production from the Baleine field began last year, less than two years after its discovery. The first phase used a refurbished FPSO unit capable of processing 15,000 barrels per day of oil and around 25 million standard cubic feet per day (Mscf/d) of associated gas.
Eni is now studying the development of Phase 3, which, if approved, could increase the field’s output to 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of associated gas daily. This expansion would solidify Côte d’Ivoire’s position as a key regional energy hub and strengthen Eni’s strategic partnership with local stakeholders.
In recent years, Eni has focused on expanding its offshore oil and gas operations in Africa, including a growing presence in Côte d’Ivoire. Last November, Eni signed agreements with the local Ministry of Mines, Oil, and Energy for four new exploration blocks offshore Côte d’Ivoire. These blocks are located near the Calao discovery, offering potential for further synergies in the region, the company noted. Eni will be able to explore these areas for up to nine years under the new contracts.
Related Topics:
- North Dakota Crude Output Cut by 520,000 b/d After October Fires
- EIA Reports Smaller-Than-Expected Drop in Crude Inventories
- Europe Increases Pressure on Russia’s Oil Trade