Initial results have pointed towards multiple reservoirs with good mobility. (Image source: ANGP)

The Lower Congo Basin offshore Angola that falls under the purview of Block 1/14, revealed commercial gas from the Gajajeira-01 exploration well for partners, including the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels, Azule Energy (35%), Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%) and Acrep SA (10%)

This is great news for ANGP as this lends the national oil and gas body a strong ground to advance domestic gas consumption while also boosting the petrochemical industry. "The new discoveries are a motivating factor in our commitment to attracting private investment in the sector for the development and monetisation of natural gas," said Paulino Jerónimo, chairman of the ANPG Board of Directors. 

The well reached the discovery of gas- and condensate-bearing sandstones in one of the Lower Oligocene targets following drilling at a water depth of 95 meters and approximately 60 kilometers offshore. Advanced evaluation formations and control tools were used to assess reservoir quality and fluid characterestics during the drilling of the first section. As drilling continues at the Gajajeira-01 well, the last interval of the Lower Oligocene LO300 remains the next target. 

The initial results and testings collected from fluid samples have pointed towards multiple reservoirs with good mobility. Going ahead with the project can lead to the finding of gas volumes worth more than 1 trillion cu/ft, with up to 100 mn barrels of associated condensate.

To top that, the findings indicate an underlying hydrocarbon system at large, suggesting grand opportunities for exploration for the Block 1/14 partners.

"This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. The Gajajeira-01 well is the first dedicated gas exploration well in the country, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin. We are proud to contribute to Angola's long-term energy development with a focus on sustainability and energy security," said Azule Energy's CEO, Adriano Mongini. 

Eni has signed a production sharing contract with SONATRACH for development and exploration opportunities in the Zemoul El Kbar area, which is located in the Berkine Basin near the East of Hassi Messaoud 

This comes following Eni's win of the Reggane II block in partnership with PTTEP at the 2024 Algeria Bid Round.

Drawn in line with Algeria's hydrocarbon law n°19-13, the contract is valid up to 30 years, with an expansion scope for an additional 10 years. Backed by a seven-year window for research, the budget set for exploration and development activities amount to US$1.35bn, with US$110mn allocated to research investments. 

With the Zemoul El Kbar development, Algeria will see the integration of the latest digital solutions in operating, production optimisation practices, and reserves recovery. These advanced technologies will maximise asset valuations for the partners and equip Zemoul El Kbar to produce approximately 415 mn boe of which 9.3 bn cu/m will be at the end of the contractual period.

In addition, recourse to local content and subcontracting of national suppliers is privileged, within the frame of this contract. A three-year framework agreement between SONATRACH, Eni and ECU will advance skills and knowledge transfer to support SONATRACH employees. 

The partners also signed a gas agreement to support the hydrocarbons contract to enable the export of dry gas from the Zemoul El Kbar Exploitation Perimeter.

The FLNG is currently undergoing construction in Dubai. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Independent oil and gas company, Perenco, has recently commissioned a floating LNG (FLNG) vessel to advance gas commercialisation offshore Gabon while also repurposing flared gas 

In line with Gabon's first large-scale gas development, this is a flagship project in the Cap Lopez LNG terminal that is set to come online in 2026.

The FLNG is currently undergoing construction in Dubai as it promises to reach a capacity of 700,000 tons of LNG and 25,000 tons of LPG anually, backed by storage infrastructure capable of holding 137,000 cu/m. 

This US$2bn project is being supported by Perenco's affiliate Dixstone under a contract with engineering and construction company, Technomak, for the integration of the offshore FLNG barge. 

The Cap Lopez project will significantly contribute to Perenco's natural gas strategy, while also serving as a means for energy diversification and larger economic growth of the country. It will also ensure energy security and industrialisation. 

This development moves alongside Perenco's major optimisation project in the Republic of Congo as well. The company has initiated the construction of the Kombi 2 platform on the Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II permit. Amounting to more than US$200mn, the project will see new drilling phases, infrastructure upgrades and the optimisation of existing wells.

LNG production has reached approximately 2.4mtpa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The FLNG Gimi by Golar LNG Limited has reached commercial operations date (COD) for the 20-year lease and operate agreement with bp for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project offshore Mauritania and Senegal

This marks a significant milestone for the project partners, as LNG production volumes have successfully been ramped up to a level equivalent to the annual contracted volumes of approximately 2.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), or around 90% of nameplate capacity of 2.7mtpa.

The achievement of COD follows first LNG in February and the first LNG cargo in April. The second and third LNG cargo were exported in May and early June respectively and a fourth cargo is currently loading. The fifth cargo is expected at the start of the third quarter. With this expected cargo timing, Kosmos Energy forecasts 3.5 gross cargos in the second quarter.

Achieving COD and the recent ramp up in cargo lifting activity highlights continued strong cooperation between the project partners and Golar.