Eni has announced a significant gas and condensate discovery offshore Côte d’Ivoire with the Murene South-1X exploration well in Block CI-501, confirming the potential of the Calao channel complex.
The discovery, named Calao South, is estimated to contain up to 5 Tcf of gas and 450 MMbbl of condensate, making it the country’s second-largest discovery after the Baleine field. The well encountered hydrocarbons in high-quality Cenomanian sand reservoirs and confirmed approximately 50 m of gross hydrocarbon-bearing interval with strong petrophysical properties.
Murene South-1X was drilled to a total depth of approximately 5,000 m in 2,200 m of water using the Saipem Santorini drillship. The well is located about 8 km southwest of the Murene-1X discovery in the adjacent CI-205 block. A full drill stem test is planned to assess production capacity and support appraisal of the Calao complex.
Block CI-501 is operated by Eni with a 90% interest, alongside partner Petroci Holding, which holds the remaining 10%. The discovery further expands the Calao channel complex, which includes previous finds in the area and supports continued exploration and development across Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore basin.
Eni has been active in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015 and holds interests in multiple exploration blocks across the country. The company’s Baleine field, currently producing oil and gas from its first development phases, remains a key contributor to domestic energy supply and is expected to increase output as additional phases come online.
