BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. Italian Eni and its
partners Petroci and Vitol have approved the final investment
decision (FID) for the Baleine Phase 3 development in Côte
d'Ivoire,, marking a major milestone in the expansion of the
country’s largest hydrocarbon discovery, Trend reports via Eni.
The full-field Phase 3 project is expected to significantly
increase output, raising oil production from 60,000 to 150,000
barrels per day and boosting gas production from 80 to 200 million
cubic feet per day.
Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi said the Baleine
project reflects the company’s exploration and production model,
highlighting fast-track development, phased execution, and a strong
focus on sustainability in partnership with the host country.
The project includes the installation of a new floating
production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, designed to improve
operational efficiency and safety while reducing environmental
impact. It builds on the phased development approach used in
earlier stages, allowing early production while optimizing costs
and using existing infrastructure.
All gas produced from the project will be supplied to Côte
d’Ivoire’s domestic market, supporting electricity generation and
broader industrial development.
Eni has operated in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015, when it made the
Baleine and Calao discoveries, helping to boost offshore
exploration activity and reinforcing the country’s position as a
growing energy hub in West Africa. The company also continues to
support local development initiatives in education, healthcare,
training, and entrepreneurship.
