Eni approves FPSO-backed Baleine Phase 3 development

(WO) — Eni and its partners have approved the final investment decision for the Baleine Phase 3 offshore development in Côte d’Ivoire, advancing the next expansion phase of what the company describes as the country’s largest hydrocarbon discovery. 

The Phase 3 development is expected to increase Baleine oil production from 60,000 bopd to 150,000 bopd, while natural gas output is projected to rise from 80 MMcfgd to 200 MMcfgd.

The project includes construction and deployment of a new floating production, storage and offloading vessel designed to support expanded production capacity while leveraging infrastructure developed during earlier phases of the project.

Petroci and Vitol are partners in the development alongside Eni.

“Baleine is a testament to Eni’s exploration and production model, built on excellence in exploration activities, the ability to develop projects through a fast-track and phased approach, and a consistent commitment to sustainability,” said Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi.

According to Eni, all gas produced from the development will be directed toward Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic market to support electricity generation and industrial demand growth.

The company said the project continues the phased development model used during Baleine’s first two development stages, allowing production growth while optimizing infrastructure and development costs.

Eni entered Côte d’Ivoire in 2015 and later discovered the Baleine and Calao offshore fields, helping increase exploration interest across the country’s offshore sector and broader West African deepwater market.

The FID ceremony was held in Abidjan in the presence of Côte d’Ivoire Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly.