Baleine Field : Eni begins production from offshore Côte d’Ivoire project

Eni has initiated oil and gas production from the Baleine Field, positioned in the offshore waters of Côte d’Ivoire. This monumental achievement marks the first emissions-free (Scope 1 and 2) production project in Africa, setting a benchmark for sustainable oil and gas initiatives. It comes less than two years after the Baleine Field’s discovery in September 2021 and under 18 months following the Final Investment Decision.

Setting records, Baleine is now the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the Ivorian sedimentary basin. This rapid time-to-market is credited to Eni’s phased development approach and full collaboration with its partner, Petroci.

The initial production phase operates through the Baleine FPSO, an upgraded Floating Production Storage and Offloading unit with capabilities of handling up to 15,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) of oil and around 25 million standard cubic feet per day (Mscf/d) of associated gas.

Eni begins production from Baleine Field, offshore Côte d’Ivoire. Photo courtesy of Eni.

Phase 2 of the Baleine Field, expected by the end of 2024, aims to ramp up production to 50,000 bbl/d of oil and about 70 Mscf/d of associated gas. The ambitious third development phase targets a massive output of 150,000 bbl/d of oil and 200 Mscf/d of gas.

The entirety of the gas production from Baleine will be delivered onshore through a newly constructed pipeline. This not only meets Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic electricity demands but also bolsters its standing as a regional energy hub for neighboring countries. Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, hailed the first oil from Baleine as a landmark moment, emphasizing its alignment with Eni’s strategy for Africa’s pioneering net-zero projects, accelerated development, and local gas supply.