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Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) has reached final investment decision (FID) on Bonga North offshore Nigeria

A significant deepwater project for Shell's integrated gas and upstream business, Bonga North is said to hold approximately 300 million barrels of oil equivalent. The company's plan involves drilling, completing and starting up 16 wells (8 production and 8 water injection wells), besides modifying the existing Bonga Main FPSO and the installation of new subsea hardware tied back to the FPSO. This extensive strategy will potentially help realise a production target of 110,000 bopd by the end of the decade. 

In February, Shell achieved well completion in Bonga North West Field with Optime Subsea's remotely operated control systems (ROCS). 

Maintaining production

“This is another significant investment, which will help us to maintain stable liquids production from our advantaged upstream portfolio,” said Zoe Yujnovich, integrated gas and upstream director, Shell, on the Bonga North development.

The company had sold its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, SPDC, in the beginning of this year, for a more concentrated approach to its integrated gas and upstream sector. 

Pancontinental Energy NL has delivered the Seismic License for PEL 87 offshore Namibia to Woodside Energy following relevant approval from the Namibian authority

The Seismic License provides Woodside ongoing rights to the PEL 87 3D seismic data, the acquisition and processing of which was funded by it. While Pancontinental Orange Pty Ltd holds 75% operatorship in the PEL 87 Joint Venture, there is an exclusive scope for Woodside to derive over a 56% participating interest from Pancontinental’s shares. 

Pancontinental, on the other hand, has an option over a 1% participating interest to be derived from the 15% share exercised by Custos Investments (Pty) Ltd. 

The Seismic License delivery marks the origin of the 180 days-long Long Stop Date which is 18 May 2025, when Woodside Energy may exercise its option to farmin to PEL 87.

Orange Basin

Besides Pancontinental and Custos, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) owns a 10% interest in the PEL 87 Joint Venture. 

PEL 87 belongs in the Orange Basin which keeps giving, with latest light oil discovery reported in March from Mopane in PEL 83. 

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited will be deploying TechnipFMC's Subsea 2.0 production systems for the Bonga North deepwater development

The contract covers the design and manufacture of subsea tree systems, manifolds, jumpers, controls, and services.

This comes following SNEPCo's announcement of final investment decision (FID) on the Nigerian offshore project. 

Expanding deepwater potential

Jonathan Landes, president, subsea at TechnipFMC, said, “Shell was the first to adopt our Subsea 2.0 configure-to-order solution, and continues to deploy it across multiple basins – underscoring its commitment to the technology globally. This award further positions us for future deepwater opportunities in the region.” Expanding deepwater potential

TechnipFMC's expertise in modularisation and electrified LNG has defined the Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique. 

Building an effective gas portfolio to sustain market competition, ADNOC-wing, XRG, and energy major, bp, have reached financial close on their new joint venture (JV), Arcius Energy, an international natural gas platform

Launched in February, the JV is backed by XRG's (49%) technical prowess and bp's (51%) long-standing development track records. 

Besides ADNOC, bp had previously entered a venture with another Abu Dhabi-based company, Masdar, to advance plans of a multi-phase green hydrogen (gH2) project in Egypt. 

Unlocking lower-carbon transition fuel

Arcius Energy will begin operations in Egypt across two development concessions, as well as exploration agreements. The country is playing a major role in developing a gas hub in the eastern Mediterranean. 

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, executive chairman of XRG, said, “The formation of Arcius Energy marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership with bp, and fully aligns with XRG’s objectives to accelerate the transformation of energy systems and build a world-scale integrated gas and chemicals portfolio to meet rising global demand. This progressive partnership will unlock a lower-carbon transition fuel to build a future where smarter, cleaner and more affordable energy is accessible for Egypt and the world."

Murray Auchincloss, chief executive of bp, said, “Arcius Energy brings together the strengths of our two companies to create a dynamic new platform for international growth in natural gas in the region. ADNOC, and now XRG, is a trusted partner, who we have worked with successfully for over five decades. Together, we can continue to build on bp’s 60 years of technical expertise and delivery of safe and efficient operations in Egypt – a hub for new opportunities to build out a highly competitive gas portfolio in the region.”

Senior Arcius Energy leadership were also appointed as part of the company’s formation. Naser Saif Al Yafei was appointed as Chief Executive Officer while Katerina Papalexandri was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Both executives, from ADNOC and bp respectively, bring decades of experience in the energy sector.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has restreamed the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), commencing crude oil processing from the plant for the delivery of petroleum products into the market

The NNPC group chief executive officer, Mele Kyari, announced the development, expressing his gratitude to all stakeholders involved, and marked the occasion as an era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.

Products delivered included premium motor spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil (AGO) and household kerosene (HHK), among others. 

The PHRC rehabilitation project, is an engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) project that is aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal.

The Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC), hosted by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), will be held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos from 11-13 February 2025

Celebrating its 9th edition, SAIPEC 2025 is strategically supported by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and over 30 national oil companies and regulatory bodies from across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This prestigious event will spotlight multi-billion-dollar project opportunities in Africa and serve as a vital platform for advancing the continent’s energy, oil, and gas ambitions. Maintaining its focus on local content, the conference expects over 6,000 participants, including representatives from National and International Oil Companies, government agencies, regulators, and service providers from more than 50 countries.

Driving energy transformation

The three-day agenda promises impactful discussions, featuring keynote speeches from industry leaders, country showcases, and themes such as driving Africa’s energy future and economic growth plans. SAIPEC’s African Content Series, hosted by the NCDMB for the 5th year, will explore strategies for enhancing regional collaboration. Additional sessions will address critical topics like African gas strategies, financing opportunities, and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion initiatives, emphasising the importance of inclusive progress in Africa’s energy sector.

Returning this year is the 'SAIPEC Future Generations Conference', designed to inspire young African energy professionals, along with the SAIPEC Technical sessions and the distinguished SAIPEC Awards, recognising innovations and accomplishments in the industry. Networking will be a key feature, offering attendees exclusive receptions, partnership-building events, and PETAN’s signature golf day.

The international exhibition, a core component of SAIPEC, will showcase cutting-edge technology, innovations, and services spanning the energy value chain. Global exhibitors will highlight advancements in drilling, exploration, digital solutions, and sustainability, providing attendees with opportunities to connect directly with leading suppliers, service providers, and technology developers shaping Africa’s energy future.

This year is particularly significant for host PETAN, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of excellence in Africa’s oil and gas sector. Ibe Chubby Ibe, PETAN/SAIPEC Conference Chair, remarked, “SAIPEC 2025 stands as a testament to our commitment to driving Africa’s energy transformation, creating sustainable growth, and fostering inclusive partnerships across the continent. This year’s program is our most ambitious yet, showcasing innovative strategies, regional collaborations, and groundbreaking advancements in Africa’s oil and gas sector. We are excited to bring together industry leaders, experts and future visionaries to shape a prosperous and energy-secure future for Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The comprehensive event programme is now available for download on the SAIPEC website, offering attendees an in-depth look at the schedule to prepare for this landmark 9th edition of Africa’s premier energy conference.