After more than two decades of industry exploration in the country’s deep waters with no commercial discoveries since the last hydrocarbon discovery in 2001, Eni, the Italian oil and gas giant, has announced a major oil discovery in block CI-101 off the coast of Ivory Coast and the drilling of the country’s first well.

The block, which is operated by Eni with a 90% stake and Petroci Holding with a 10% stake, has indicated potential oil and gas resources of 2 billion barrels and 1.8 to 2.4 trillion cubic feet. The well was drilled using the Saipem 10,000 drillship about 60 kilometres off the coast in around 1,200 metres of sea depth and reached a total depth of 3,445 metres in 30 days.

The Baleine-1x well was located based on a comprehensive analysis of a wide range of 3D seismic data and regional studies in the sedimentary basin in Ivory Coast; the implementation of state-of-the-art technology including intelligent wireline formation testing and fluid sampling proved the presence of light oil-bearing intervals of Santonian and Cenomanian / Albian age. The lower Cenomanian / Albian level shows discrete to good reservoir characteristics and has been successfully tested to production. Along with the appraisal programme, Eni and Petroci Holding will also start studies for a fast-track development of the Baleine discovery.

Eni also has a stake in four more deep-water blocks in Ivory Coast: CI-205, CI-501, CI-504, and CI-802, all with the same partner Petroci Holding.