Eni announces major oil discovery off the Ivory Coast

After more than 20 years of industry exploration in the Ivory Coast’s deep waters with no commercial discoveries since 2001, the Baleine-1x well has successfully tested a new play concept in block CI-101.

The C1-101 block is operated by Eni, holding a 90% stake, in partnership with Petroci Holding (10%).

The discovery well was drilled on the Baleine prospect in about 1,200 metres water depth. The companies are looking to fast-track development of the discovery, which has preliminarily been estimated to hold 1.5–2bn barrels of oil in place and 1.8–2.4tn cf of associated gas.