Italian energy giant Eni and its partners have approved a new development phase for the Baleine offshore oil and gas project in Ivory Coast, marking a significant expansion of the country’s largest hydrocarbon discovery and strengthening its position as an emerging West African energy producer.
The final investment decision for Phase 3 of the project was taken jointly by Eni, state-owned Petroci and global trader Vitol, the company said on Monday.
The expansion will substantially increase output from the Baleine field, with oil production expected to rise to 150,000 barrels per day from about 60,000 barrels per day. Natural gas output will also increase from 80 million cubic feet per day to 200 million cubic feet per day, according to the company’s announcement.
The project will include the installation of a new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, designed to handle higher production volumes while improving operational efficiency, safety standards and environmental performance.
Eni said all gas produced under the expanded phase will be supplied to Ivory Coast’s domestic market, a move expected to support electricity generation, strengthen energy security and boost industrial development in the country.
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The Baleine field, discovered in 2021, is the first major commercial oil and gas find in Ivory Coast and has rapidly become a cornerstone of the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional energy hub.
The latest investment decision underscores growing confidence in West Africa’s offshore energy sector, where a series of discoveries in recent years have attracted international oil majors despite global pressure to transition away from fossil fuels.
Eni has been present in Ivory Coast since 2015 and also discovered the Calao field, further expanding its footprint in the country’s upstream oil and gas industry.
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The company has increasingly focused on gas-led developments in Africa, presenting them as a transition fuel that can support energy access and industrialisation while reducing reliance on more carbon-intensive energy sources.
Ivory Coast, one of West Africa’s fastest-growing economies, has been working to expand its energy infrastructure to meet rising domestic demand driven by industrial growth and urbanisation. Authorities have also sought to attract foreign investment into the hydrocarbons sector as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy.
Analysts say the expansion of Baleine could help strengthen the country’s fiscal position over the medium term by boosting export revenues and reducing the need for imported fuel, although the timing and scale of benefits will depend on global oil prices and production ramp-up schedules.
The development comes as energy companies continue to balance investment in fossil fuel projects with long-term decarbonisation targets. While some international lenders and governments have tightened scrutiny of new oil and gas developments, African producers have argued that hydrocarbons remain essential for development and energy security.
The inclusion of a new FPSO unit is expected to allow the project to maintain high output levels while minimising downtime and improving operational reliability in deepwater conditions.
Eni said the project reflects its broader strategy of expanding production in Africa, where it has positioned itself as a leading operator in several offshore basins.
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Industry observers note that West Africa’s offshore fields have become increasingly attractive due to their relatively lower production costs and proximity to European and global markets.
However, experts also caution that large-scale offshore developments remain vulnerable to cost overruns, technical challenges and fluctuations in global energy demand.
For Ivory Coast, the Baleine expansion is seen as a key step in transforming the country from a modest producer into a significant regional player in the oil and gas industry, while balancing economic ambitions with environmental considerations.
The project is expected to contribute to long-term energy supply stability and support broader economic development goals, particularly in the industrial and power generation sectors.
