Eni has announces a major oil discovery in block CI-101 offshore Ivory Coast
The well was drilled about 60 kilometers off the coast, in about 1,200 metres of water depth with the Saipem 10,000 drill ship and reached a total depth of 3,445 metres in 30 days.
The discovery well has been drilled on the Baleine prospect, with the support of the government in the difficult context of the pandemic. Baleine-1x discovered light oil (40° API) in two different stratigraphic levels.
An evaluation programme will be carried out to assess the significant upside potential of the overall structure that extends into block CI-802, also operated by Eni with the same joint-venture and participating interests in the exploration phase.
The Baleine-1x well was located on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of a wide range of 3D seismic data and regional studies in the sedimentary basin in Ivory Coast; the implementation of state-of-the-art technology including intelligent wireline formation testing and fluid sampling proved the presence of light oil bearing intervals of Santonian and Cenomanian / Albian age. The lower Cenomanian / Albian level shows discrete to good reservoir characteristics and has been successfully tested to production.
Along with the appraisal programme, Eni and Petroci Holding will also start studies for a fast-track development of the Baleine discovery. The potential of the discovery can be preliminarily estimated at between 1.5 and 2.0 billion barrels of oil in place and between 1.8 and 2.4 tcf of associated gas.
