Eni moves forward with Baleine development in Côte d’Ivoire

Eni moves forward with Baleine development in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire

ABIDJAN, May 26, 2026 – Eni and partners Petroci and Vitol have reached a positive FID for the third phase of the Baleine project in Côte d’Ivoire, Eni announced on Monday.

The new development phase will follow the same model previously utilised by Eni in Côte d’Ivoire and involve the deployment of a new FPSO. Following completion, oil production will rise to 150,000 bopd from 60,000 bopd, while natural gas output will reach 5.7 mcm (200 mcf) per day, up from 2.3 mcm (80 mcf).

“Baleine is a testament to Eni’s exploration and production model, built on excellence in exploration activities, the ability to develop projects through a fast-track and phased approach and a consistent commitment to sustainability, in continuous dialogue with the host country,” said Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi.

All gas produced from Baleine will be allocated to Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic market, supporting power generation and industrial development. The development is expected to come on stream within 36 months and command investments of up to USD 4 billion.

Baleine is an oil and associated gasfield discovered by Eni in 2021, approximately 70 kilometres offshore Abidjan in water depths of about 1,200 metres. Estimated to hold 2.5 billion barrels of oil, it has been in production since 2023.

In 2024, Eni announced a second discovery, Calao, located about 45 kilometres offshore in water depths of about 2,200 metres. It is estimated to hold reserves of up to 1.5 billion boe.

Photo courtesy of Eni