Eni announces major discovery off Côte d’Ivoire

Eni has made a major discovery of up to 1.5 billion boe in the Calao discovery off Côte d’Ivoire, the Italian energy giant announced on Thursday.

The drilling operations that led to the discovery took place about 45 kilometres offshore in block CI-205, reaching depths of approximately 5,000 metres in water depths of around 2,000 metres, and encountered light oil, gas and condensates. Preliminary assessments indicate potential resources ranging between 1 billion and 1.5 billion boe.

This is the second major discovery Eni has made in the area in the past few years. Its 2021 Baleine find, estimated to hold 3 billion boe, stands as Côte d’Ivoire’s biggest ever. Production in Baleine started in August 2023 and its current output stands at approximately 22,000 boepd.

The Calao discovery is slated for similarly rapid development.

Eni has been operating in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015. In addition to block CI-205, the company holds participating interests in five other blocks in the Ivorian deepwater, all in partnership with state-owned Petroci Holding.

Photo shows Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi and President of Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara. Courtesy of Eni.