During a ceremony held today in Abidjan in the presence of the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly, Eni and its partners Petroci and Vitol approved the final investment decision (FID) for the Baleine Phase 3 project, marking a significant milestone in the development of the largest hydrocarbon discovery ever made in the country.

The full-field Phase 3 development will increase oil production from 60,000 to 150,000 barrels per day and gas output from 80 to 200 million cubic feet per day.

“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. This project reflects our commitment to strengthening energy security, supporting local economic development and advancing a lower-carbon energy future,” said Claudio Descalzi, Chief Executive Officer of Eni.

The project includes the development of a new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, designed to ensure high standards of operational efficiency and safety and lower environmental impact. It builds on the phased and fast-track development model already implemented in Baleine’s first two phases, enabling early production while optimising costs and leveraging existing infrastructure.

All gas produced will be allocated to the domestic market, contributing to Côte d’Ivoire’s energy needs, expanding electricity generation and supporting the country’s industrial development.

Eni has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015, where it made the Baleine and Calao discoveries. These have contributed to increasing interest in the Ivorian offshore, confirming the country’s potential as one of the most promising energy areas in West Africa. The company is also committed to promoting sustainable development through initiatives in education, training, healthcare, economic diversification and the development of local entrepreneurial content.

About Eni

Eni is a global energy tech company operating in 64 Countries, with about 32,500 employees. Originally an oil & gas company, it has evolved into an integrated energy company, playing a key role in ensuring energy security and leading the energy transition. Eni's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 through the decarbonization of its processes and of the products it sells to its customers.
In line with this goal, Eni invests in the research and development of technologies that can accelerate the transition to increasingly sustainable energy. Renewable energy sources, bio-refining, carbon capture and storage are only some examples of Eni's areas of activity and research. In addition, the company is exploring game-changing technologies such as fusion energy - a technology based on the physical processes that power stars and that could generate safe, virtually limitless energy with zero emissions.

About Vitol

Vitol is a leader in the energy sector with a presence across the spectrum: from oil through to power, renewables and carbon. It trades 7.4 million barrels per day of crude oil and products, and charters circa 6,000 sea voyages every year.
Vitol’s clients include national oil companies, multinationals, leading industrial companies and utilities.
Founded in Rotterdam in 1966, today Vitol serves clients from some 40 offices worldwide and is invested in energy assets globally including: 17 m m3 of storage globally, circa 500 k b/d of refining capacity, over 7,000 service stations and a growing portfolio of transitional and renewable energy assets.