Eni-led consortium approves next phase of Ivory Coast Baleine project 

Italian energy giant Eni and its partners Petroci and Vitol have approved the next development phase of the Baleine offshore project, deepening Ivory Coast’s push to become one of West Africa’s fastest-growing energy hubs.

The consortium reached a final investment decision on Phase 3 of the Baleine field, a milestone expected to sharply increase crude oil and natural gas production from the country’s largest hydrocarbon discovery in more than two decades.

Production set for major increase

Located about 70 kilometers off the coast of Abidjan, the Baleine field was discovered in 2021 and has rapidly emerged as a cornerstone of Ivory Coast’s energy strategy.

Under the new phase, oil production is expected to climb to 150,000 barrels per day from 60,000 barrels, while gas output is projected to rise to 200 million cubic feet daily from 80 million.

The expansion includes the construction of a new floating production, storage and offloading vessel, commonly known as an FPSO, designed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety performance and reduce environmental impact.

Domestic gas supply at the center

Eni said all gas produced from the Baleine development will be directed toward Ivory Coast’s domestic market, supporting electricity generation and industrial growth in one of Africa’s fastest-expanding economies.

The project is also strengthening Ivory Coast’s position as a regional energy supplier at a time when African governments are accelerating investments in domestic gas infrastructure to meet rising power demand.

Baleine has already become one of the continent’s most closely watched offshore developments because of its low-emission design. The project is recognized as Africa’s first net-zero upstream offshore development for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Strategic win for West Africa

For Ivory Coast, Baleine represents more than an oil discovery. The project is reshaping the country’s economic ambitions, attracting global capital and reinforcing its role in the Gulf of Guinea’s evolving energy landscape.

Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Rome, Eni operates in more than 60 countries across oil, gas and renewable energy. 

Petroci continues to oversee Ivory Coast’s national hydrocarbon interests, while Vitol remains one of the world’s largest independent energy traders, moving millions of barrels of crude and refined products daily through its global supply network.