Saipem wins $260 million Eni offshore drilling contract in Côte d’Ivoire

Italian energy services company Saipem has secured a new offshore drilling contract worth about $260 million from Eni Côte d’Ivoire Limited, adding another major project to its work in West Africa. 

The contract will see Saipem deploy its Santorini drillship for a long-term development drilling campaign off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire.

The campaign is scheduled to begin in early 2027, the company said. 

The award comes as international energy companies continue to invest in offshore oil and gas projects across Africa, where new discoveries and expansion plans are driving demand for drilling services. 

The agreement also gives Saipem the opportunity to extend the use of the Santorini beyond Côte d’Ivoire.

The contract includes optional work periods and the possibility of moving the drillship to projects in neighboring countries.

Long-term drilling campaign 

Neither Saipem nor Eni disclosed which offshore field the drillship will support.

However, the timing follows Eni’s final investment decision in May on the Baleine Phase 3 development, one of Côte d’Ivoire’s largest offshore energy projects. 

The deal includes a firm commitment for an extended drilling campaign, giving Saipem greater visibility over the future use of the Santorini while strengthening its relationship with one of its largest customers.

Baleine project expansion

Eni has said the third phase of the Baleine development is expected to lift oil production from 60,000 barrels per day to 150,000 barrels per day, while natural gas output is set to increase from 80 million cubic feet per day to 200 million cubic feet per day. 

The project, valued at about $4 billion, also includes a new floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) being built by Wison New Energies.

The unit is expected to be completed by the middle of 2028 and will support higher production from the offshore field.

Growing role in Africa 

The latest contract adds to Saipem’s order book as energy companies continue to advance offshore developments in Africa to help meet long-term demand for oil and natural gas. 

Saipem is a global engineering and energy services company specializing in offshore and onshore drilling, engineering, procurement and construction.

The company operates a fleet of drilling rigs and offshore vessels and provides services to major energy producers across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. 

The award also highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s growing importance as an offshore energy producer.

With major investments moving ahead, including the Baleine development, the country is strengthening its position as one of West Africa’s emerging oil and gas hubs while creating new opportunities for international contractors and service providers.