Kombi 2 can generate an additional 10 mn barrels of reserves. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

In alignment with Congo's resources development strategy, Perenco has announced more than US$200mn approximately to advance the construction of a new platform, Kombi 2, alongside its drilling campaigns 

Once installed on the Kombi-Likalala-Libondo II (KLL II) permit, this offshore infrastructure will check carbon footprint and help repurpose excess gas with the recovery of around 7 mn cu/ft per day. This will enable the platform to drive two gas turbines connected to a 33 kV electrical hub. 

With enhanced surface treatment and optimistaion of existing wells, Kombi 2 is being designed to generate an additional 10 mn barrels of reserves. A well-bay module will allow further accomodation of new wells, leading to another 10 mn barrels output.

As the Kombi 2 installation is in the making at the Nieuwdorp shipyard in Netherlands, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, paid a visit to oversee its progress. It is being developed by Perenco's integrated oil & gas solutions wing, Dixstone, before it sets off in October to become operational in Pointe-Noire in early 2026. 

The Kombi 2 platform will play a significant role in actualising Congo's national production goals of 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030. With the recent renewal of the Ikalou II and Likouala II permits, for an initial period of 20 years, Perenco has a global investment plan estimated to nearly 900 million dollars, including work-over campaigns, development drilling and the installation of state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Armel Simondin, CEO of Perenco, said, "This project demonstrates a solid, lasting partnership built on mutual trust. For over 20 years, Perenco has been working alongside the Republic of Congo to develop the country's resources while strengthening infrastructure, local expertise, and energy sovereignty.”

Stephane BARC, managing director of Perenco Congo, said, "Kombi 2 is fully in line with our commitment to performance, operational safety, and environmental responsibility. This new milestone demonstrates our ability to combine technical innovation, compliance with the most demanding standards, and a direct contribution to the country's development."

The rig will arrive before drilling begins in Q4 2025. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

As Tower Resources Cameroon SA prepares to drill the NJOM-3 well on the Thali license in Cameroon, it has booked the Admarine 510 jack-up rig by ADES Holding via a Letter of Award 

The rig will arrive before drilling begins in Q4 2025, and is currently docked in Bahrain undergoing its five-yearly recertification project.

Built in 2019, the Admarine 510 is a GustoMSC CJ-46-X100-D triangular design three-legged jackup unit that can operate in water depth up to 375 ft.

The rig has also been contracted by Addax Petroleum for operations in Cameroon, also commencing later in the year. Tower, however, aims to use the rig before its time with Addax Petroleum.

"We are delighted to make this award, and are looking forward to working with ADES on the NJOM-3 well this year. Our rig selection process has been made a little more complex by the opportunity to coordinate our timing with that of other nearby oil and gas companies, including Addax Petroleum in particular, however I believe it has resulted in a very good commercial outcome for all parties," said Jeremy Asher, CEO and chairman of Tower Resources. 

The technologically advanced tong system has simplified the well construction process. (Image source: Expro)

As Eni advances exploration activities in the Baleine field offshore Cote d'Ivoire, it onboarded Expro for its autonomous iTONG system to ensure operational safety, efficiency, and sustainability 

The technologically advanced tong system has simplified the well construction process by eliminating considerable rig time and labour time, keeping personnel away from the hazardous Red Zone of the rig floor. Less rig time further brought down the net CO₂ emissions.

By automating the connection make-up and break-out of casing and tubing joints, iTONG provides precise torque control from the push of a single button - operated safely from the driller’s cabin - while enabling full connection make-up validation.

Expro secured the Tubular Running Services (TRS) contract aboard the Deep Value Driller (DVD) drillship, which arrived in Cote d'Ivoire in late 2023.

Jeremy Angelle, vice president of well construction, said, “Since its introduction to Norway four years ago, iTONG has been recognised by major operators as a top-tier solution for tubular connection make-up and validation.

“In this case, its performance has exceeded expectations, with a 50% reduction in make-up times. The vision and commitment demonstrated by both Eni and Expro in introducing this technology to Africa exemplify a shared dedication to safer, more efficient operations.”

Jeremy added, “iTONG continues to redefine industry standards, improving safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for offshore operations worldwide. Thanks to cutting-edge systems like iTONG, our R&D teams are leading the TRS industry in enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and driving global cost savings.”

The contract will cover the pre-laying activities for an upcoming drilling campaign. (Image source; Subsea7)

Subsea 7 has received a subsea contract in West Africa

This contract will see the company transporting and installing flexible pipelines, umbilicals, and associated subsea components for the connection of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. It will also cover the pre-laying activities for an upcoming drilling campaign.

Project management and engineering work will begin immediately at Subsea7’s offices in Sutton, UK and Suresnes, France, and offshore activity is expected to start in 2026.

Jerome Perrin, Vice President Africa, Middle East, and Turkiye for Subsea7, said, “Our close and agile collaboration with our clients allows us to make possible cost-effective and reliable offshore solutions for their needs. We are pleased to be able to support this client in executing such a strategically important project in West Africa. ”