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Baleine, there is great energy in Côte d'Ivoire

Aerial view of the FPSO Baleine at sea

Baleine is the largest hydrocarbon discovery made by an energy company in Côte d'Ivoire. Thanks to this discovery, Côte d'Ivoire is also strengthening its role as a regional energy hub for neighbouring countries. Baleine’s gas production is therefore strategic since it will increase domestic and regional supply, while oil production will be destined for export.

The Baleine project in Côte d’Ivoire reflects Eni’s industrial strategy by integrating three pillars of our business model: the decarbonization path, cooperation with partner countries and an operational approach focused on rapid development, efficiency and leveraging of local resources. In addition to strengthening and diversifying our traditional portfolio, which is increasingly focused on enhancing the value of natural gas, we promote new solutions to reduce the overall carbon footprint of our operations. Within this framework, Baleine is set to become the first Net Zero upstream project (Scope 1 and 2) in Africa, thanks to the use of advanced technologies and initiatives developed in close cooperation with the Ivorian government.

Project features

Country: Côte d'Ivoire

Activity start date: 2021 – present

Project development and operation

The Baleine model, between speed and waste minimisation

In 2021, Eni discovered an extensive oil and associated gas field 70 km off the coast of Abidjan at a depth of 1,200 metres. It was the first commercial discovery in the country in the past 20 years. Baleine, a French word translated as “balena” in Italian and “whale” in English, is being developed in record time, following an approach that characterises us. We call it fast track and it consists in running the design, permitting and execution phases in parallel. Another innovative aspect of the project is the re-use of existing floating units for the project’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 that have been upgraded and technologically enhanced to ensure accelerated deployment, thus optimising costs and schedules and minimising waste of raw and construction materials. The same phased fast-track development model will also be applied to Phase 3. In addition to leveraging synergies with existing infrastructure, the project will use a new Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit (FPSO), designed to deliver high standards of operational efficiency, safety and environmental performance.

Initiatives supporting local communities

To promote increasingly sustainable and inclusive development, two main initiatives have been launched in Côte d’Ivoire. The first, already benefiting more than 600,000 vulnerable people, was developed in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation AVSI and involves the distribution of improved cookstoves designed to have a positive impact on the health and quality of life of rural communities. The second aims to protect and restore 14 forest areas through the involvement of local communities, reinforcing the commitment to protecting the land and ecosystems.

Highlights

The data were selected from those contained in our official documents.
  • ~22,000
    bbl/d

    equity production of oil equivalent

  • 2.5
    billion barrels

    potential of oil in place

  • 100
    billion/m³

    associated gas since start-up

  • 155 k
    hectares

    for forest conservation, restoration and management projects

Local Report Cote divoire 2024

Our 2024 Report on sustainability in Côte d’Ivoire

Discover the stories, goals and results of our commitment to a just transition in the country.

Download the document

Sustainability Local Report Côte d'Ivoire 2024 (French version)

The development of the Baleine project

The field launch into production.

Final Investment Decision approved for Phase 3

This phase will also follow a fast-track approach to accelerate production, supported by a new technologically advanced FPSO.

Agreement for the sale of a 10% interest in Baleine to SOCAR signed

The operation is part of Eni’s Upstream optimisation strategy to accelerate value creation from exploration discoveries through the sale of interests.

Eni increases gas volumes

The increase in gas supply for Côte d'Ivoire’s power generation system allows to strengthening the country’s energy sector and industrial development.

Eni launches Phase 2 of Baleine

This phase, which aims to significantly increase hydrocarbon production, will help meet local energy demand through the use of processed gas.

Two naval units set sail from Dubai to Côte d'Ivoire

The inauguration of the vessels marks the start of phase 2 of the project, further strengthening the country's role in regional and international energy markets.

An official meeting celebrates the launch of Baleine

The President of Côte d'Ivoire and the CEO of Eni participated in the ceremony for the start of production of Baleine.

Start of oil and gas production

Oil and gas production has started from the Baleine field, off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire, with partner PETROCI.

FPSO Firenze sets sail from Dubai

The ship will allow the field to start production.

The Baleine East 1X well has been drilled

The results of the well confirm the extension of the Baleine field.

NFW Baleine 1X well drilled

The results of the well confirm the extension of the Baleine field.

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Last update: 25 May 2026
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