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With deepwater knowledge gathered over several decades in pre-salt basins, Brazil's national energy company, Petrobras, is now looking towards Africa because of its mirror image geology 

Being conjugate basins, Brazil and Africa share very similar geological patterns, making it structurally and technically easier for Petrobras to explore and generate production.

While Petrobras' massive pre-salt fields off the coast of Rio de Janeiro are highly lucrative today, these are gradually declining in production count and might stop producing by the 2030s. The Brazil oil major is thus strategising resources diversification to replenish its oil resreves. It keeps seeking new frontiers to expand exploration portfolio, generating long-term value and sustainability for the company. 

Securing four blocks in Keta Basin

Ghana's Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has approved Petrobras' application for negotiation of exploration contracts in four blocks in Keta Basin on the west coast of Africa.

This gives Petrobras direct entry into the negotiation phase of the exploration contract terms. 

Acquiring operatorship offshore Sao Tome and Principe

In April this year, Petrobras signed a contract with Oranto Petroleum for the acquisition of a stake and Operatorship of Block 3, offshore Sao Tome and Principe, in Africa.

Petrobras is acquiring 75%, and upon completion of the transaction, the consortium will consist of Petrobras (operator, 75%), Oranto (15%), and ANP-STP (10%).

Since 2024, Petrobras has resumed its operations on the African continent and already has a stake in blocks in Sao Tome and Príncipe.

The acquisition of the block in Sao Tome and Príncipe, complied with all the company's internal governance procedures, and is in line with the 2026-2030 Business Plan. 

Offshore Ivory Coast

In 2025, the Ivory Coast government, through its Council of Ministers, approved Petrobras' declaration of interest for nine blocks. This is the first phase in the acquisition process for exploratory areas in the region, which is then followed by contractual negotiations of the exploratory blocks.

Petrobras highlights that the decision to submit the declaration of interest to the Ivory Coast government complied with all of the company's internal governance procedures, in line with its long-term strategy. 

Interests in Nigeria's frontier deepwater acreage

In May 2025, Petrobras expressed interests to invest in Nigeria's frontier deepwater acreage at an interministerial review meeting chaired by Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima. 

"The presence of six ministers and the Solicitor-General of the federation in this review meeting ahead of the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism shows the importance we have attached to our relationship with Brazil.

"We have not maximally capitalised on the fraternity between us and Brazil, but it is better late than never. The upcoming SDM presents an opportunity to execute sector-specific Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and unlock investment flows," said Shettima.

Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed ongoing engagements with Petrobras, saying, "Apart from Ethanol, which they are hoping to engage the NNPCL for blending, Petrobras is also being actively engaged, and we expect they will form part of the delegation to Nigeria. Petrobras is no longer active in Nigeria, but they are very keen on coming back to Nigeria. They said they want frontier acreage in deep waters."

Energy data and intelligence provider, TGS, has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Hydrocarbon and Mining Development of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to create MegaSurvey, a large-scale multi-client seismic product for offshore exploration

Beginning with the post-stack reprocessing of approximately 27,273 kilometers of 2D seismic data and around 35,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data, the project is set to be completed in Q3 2026.

3D seismic datasets synchronised across large contiguous areas, MegaSurvey eliminates uncertainty by enabling nearly accurate geological interpretation, with clarity in structural and stratigraphic frameworks.

The agreement marks the first phase of a broader plan to create a harmonized and seamless seismic data product across Equatorial Guinea’s offshore basins. The full product vision includes approximately 46,343 line kilometers of 2D seismic data and more than 59,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data.

David Hajovsky, Executive Vice President, Multi-Client at TGS, commented: “The Equatorial Guinea MegaSurvey is the first of its kind in the country and will apply TGS’s latest imaging technology to address key subsurface challenges and support exploration risk reduction across the Rio del Rey and Rio Muni basins. The product is designed to provide customers with a basin-wide regional screening tool, supporting prospect identification, prospect ranking and planning for future work commitments.”

By integrating and reprocessing legacy datasets into a consistent regional framework, the MegaSurvey will provide new insight into the prospectivity of Equatorial Guinea’s offshore basins and support informed exploration decision-making.

MODEC, Inc has announced that it will supply a SOFEC Internal Turret Mooring System for the Coral Norte FLNG project offshore Mozambique, developed by Eni and its partners CNPC, ENH, XRG and KOGAS

The company is collaborating with the Technip Energies JGC joint venture (JV) to support seamless integration, efficient execution and reliable long term performance.

With Final Investment Decision achieved in October 2025, the hull launch completed in January 2026 at Samsung Heavy Industries’ Geoje shipyard in South Korea, and first LNG targeted for 2028, the project is advancing on schedule. MODEC has supported the project since the early stages and is progressing engineering and supply activities in line with the overall timeline, underscoring the company’s contribution to mission‑critical station‑keeping for large‑scale gas developments.

Building on proven performance on the companion Coral Sul FLNG, this engagement reinforces MODEC’s track record in complex offshore station‑keeping. Designed as an enhanced replica of Coral Sul — incorporating lessons learned and optimized for improved efficiency and performance — Coral Norte will add 3.6 MTPA of liquefaction capacity.

The turret mooring system is a mission‑critical element of FLNG performance, enabling safe weathervaning, high uptime, and resilient operations in the metocean conditions of the Rovuma Basin. Drawing on decades of experience across FLNG and FPSO projects worldwide, MODEC is applying advanced engineering, robust risk management, and disciplined execution to deliver the SOFEC® Internal Turret Mooring System for Coral Norte from design through delivery.

“Coral Norte is an important milestone for the industry and for Mozambique, and we are honored to contribute to this landmark FLNG project,” said Arun Duggal, Head of MODEC’s Mooring Solutions Business Unit. “Our team’s performance on Coral Sul set a high bar for safety, reliability, and schedule discipline. This engagement reflects the trust we have built together, and we look forward to delivering a SOFEC® turret mooring system that enables best‑in‑class operability — while continuing to invest in local capability and laying the foundation for future projects in the region.”

A Technip Energies–JGC JV spokesperson commented: “The work delivered by MODEC on Coral Sul established a strong operational baseline and demonstrated clear excellence in engineering and execution. Our partnership on Coral Norte builds on that success and supports our broader commitment to sustainable development in Mozambique.”

A new gas discovery offshore western Libya has been confirmed by the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and Eni North Africa, following the drilling of the exploration well J1-4/16

After reaching a final depth of 10,458 ft, flow rates across two tests from the Metlawi reservoir stood at 14 million cubic feet per day through a 32/64-inch choke in the first test, and 24 MMcf/d through a 62/64-inch choke in the second.

Lying approximately 95 kilometers from the coast, the well forms part of Contract 4/16, where Eni is the operator, and also remains the final well in fulfilling nine contractual obligations for offshore Contract Block D, as stipulated in the agreement signed in June 2008. 

This discovery can potentially add to Libya's production count, which saw an impressive rise last year. According to a table of the average daily crude oil production and total (cumulative) production figures for the past 10 years that was recently released by NOC Libya, 2025 had recorded the highest average production rate in comparison to the last decade, at 1.374 million barrels per day. Total crude oil production for the year reached 501 million barrels, marking a posititve shift in the NOC’s strategy to boost crude oil production rates. 

Eni is set to launch three exploration plays in Libya – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore, and is also deeply invested in the region's gas with the US$10bn Greenstream pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

In line with Nigeria's strategy to expand reach in export market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has globally released its new crude grade – Cawthorne 

With an API gravity of 36.4 that denotes the light and sweet kind, the Cawthorne crude rules global market demand because of its unmatched petrol and diesel yields. Comparable to Bonny Light, Cawthorne crude blend is the latest from Nigeria’s basket of crude grades, building on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate. 

The consistent market launches come from optimised production, helping Nigeria to solidify its base in the export market with diverse offerings. The Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, which is strategically positioned offshore Bonny, Rivers State for enhanced energy security and operational efficiency in easy crude evacuation from OML18, comprised the maiden 950,000 barrels cargo for export. Loaded on an MT Eburones vessel, it headed to the Netherlands, and unto the global market. 

As Nigeria aims to attain crude production of three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030, the international launch of Cawthorne will unlock value from its asset base and deepen market competitiveness.

“This milestone reflects the direction we have set for NNPC Limited—one anchored on execution, partnership, and value creation. We are moving decisively from resource potential to resource monetisation, ensuring that every asset delivers measurable commercial outcomes.

"The successful export of the Cawthorne crude grade is not an isolated achievement; it is part of a broader, deliberate strategy to grow production, deepen market relevance, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a reliable global energy supplier. We remain firmly focused on delivering sustainable growth in line with national objectives and global market expectations,” said Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, as he acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and OML 18 partners' strong collaboration in achieving the milestone. 

Technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline will remain central to NNPC Limited's vision as the organisation works towards value creation from Nigeria's vast hydrocarbons resources.

As the energy sector navigates rising demand, geopolitical uncertainty, infrastructure pressures and rapid technological change, ADIPEC 2026 is set to bring together some of the world's most influential leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, to help shape the future of global energy systems

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2026 will take place in Abu Dhabi from 2–5 November 2026, convening policymakers, industry executives, technology innovators and investors from around the world.

Among the early confirmed speakers are a number of the energy sector’s most prominent voices, reflecting the diverse breadth of expertise and perspectives that will be represented across this year's programme.

Confirmed leaders include: Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO, Uganda National Oil Company; Wael Sawan, CEO, Shell; Claudio Descalzi, CEO of ENI; Osama Mobarez, Secretary General, EMGF; Olivier Le Peuch, CEO of SLB; Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes; Horacio Marín, Chairman of the Board and CEO of YPF; Yoshinori Kanehana, Chairman of the Board of Kawasaki Heavy Industries; Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council; Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group; Hunter Hunt, Chairman and CEO of Hunt Energy Holdings; Stuart Bradie, Chair of the Board, President and CEO of KBR; and Professor Haruhiko Ando, CEO of the Japan Cooperation Center for Petroleum and Sustainable Energy.

These leaders will contribute to an expanded Strategic Conference designed around the key challenges and opportunities shaping energy markets today. Featuring more than 380 sessions across 11 specialised programmes, the conference will explore topics including energy security and resilience, market stability, infrastructure delivery, investment, workforce development, industrial competitiveness and the growing role of AI in transforming energy systems.

New programmes for 2026 include Energy Security & Resilience, Policy, Regulation & Governance, Upstream, Clean Power, Molecules & Carbon Management, Grids, Infrastructure & Industrial Execution, and Workforce & Skills. Existing programmes have also been refreshed to better reflect evolving industry priorities, including AI, Digital & Technology and Downstream, Chemicals & Industrial Value Chains.

In parallel, ADIPEC's exhibition will bring together more than 2,250 companies across 17 halls, including 54 national, international, integrated and independent energy companies, alongside 30 country pavilions. New features such as an expanded AI Zone and an enhanced Low Carbon and Chemicals Zone will showcase technologies and solutions supporting the next phase of energy development.

Expected to attract more than 239,000 attendees, 1,800 speakers and 16,500 delegates, ADIPEC 2026 will serve as a global platform for the partnerships, investment decisions and innovations needed to strengthen energy systems and support long-term economic growth. 

Click here to register as an ADIPEC delegate or visitor.