BW Energy’s next phase of oil production growth in Gabon has been thrown into uncertainty after the sinking of a drilling rig disrupted preparations at the Dussafu offshore license, where the Norwegian company generates most of its oil output.

The scale of the interruption is significant: Dussafu delivered 16,800 barrels per day of net production in the third quarter, out of BW Energy’s total 21,500 barrels per day across its operations. The company had been preparing a new drilling campaign to add production capacity at the asset.

The accident also leaves questions over the timing of a wider development programme that includes new wells at MaBoMo and the Bourdon field, where BW Energy is targeting first oil in 2028. Five people remained missing after the rig sank on October 24.

Five wells were planned for Dussafu

The Prospector 5, owned and operated by Borr Drilling, was being positioned for the drilling campaign when the incident occurred on Saturday. The rig carried 115 people. Rescue teams recovered 110 safely, while search efforts and a technical investigation continued as of Sunday, October 25.

BW Energy planned four production wells under the second phase of the MaBoMo development, followed by a fifth well in the 10P2 area. Each well was targeting initial production of approximately 5,000 barrels per day.

The company has not announced a revised timetable for the campaign. BW Energy and its partners reported no damage to the MaBoMo production facility and no accidental release of hazardous substances into the sea.

A long-term bet on Gabon’s offshore oil

Dussafu’s importance extends beyond its current production. BW Energy holds a 73.5% operating interest in the license, with Panoro Energy owning 17.5% and Gabon Oil Company holding 9%.

The license contains the Tortue, Hibiscus, Hibiscus South and Ruche fields. MaBoMo sends crude to the BW Adolo floating production, storage and offloading vessel for processing and storage before export to international markets.

Bourdon adds another development deadline

BW Energy announced an oil discovery at Bourdon in March 2025 and approved its development in May 2026. The project comprises three production wells and targets first oil in the first quarter of 2028.

The company also secured an extension of the Dussafu license through 2053 in April 2026, giving it a longer period to develop the offshore resources.

The sinking introduces uncertainty into the immediate drilling schedule, although the company has not disclosed how the incident may affect subsequent development milestones. Gabonese authorities and the companies involved continue search efforts and investigations into the accident.