Eni, shown here operating off the Republic of Congo, maintains a large presence in African waters, and is continuing to grow it so far this year. (Image courtesy Eni)
Despite sustained low oil prices that delayed or canceled several projects around the world, many of the developments currently under construction off Africa’s coasts are still continuing, sustaining the oil economies of their respective host countries for the time being. In addition, the large scales of some of these projects have contributed to a positive short-term outlook for many in the continent.
Tullow Oil said that its Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN) fields, located in the Deepwater Tano license off Ghana, are still on target to deliver first oil between July and August. The development’s wildcat well, Tweneboa-1, was located 20 km away from Tullow’s world-class Jubilee field. The London-headquartered explorer has developed TEN similar to its neighboring field; oil will be produced through 80,000 b/d-capacity FPSO Prof. John Evans Atta Mills. Tullow estimates that TEN’s average production in 2016 will be around 23,000 b/d (gross).
Located on the same license, Jubilee, which Tullow said averaged 102,600 b/d of production in 2015, is nearing the end of its Phase 1A investment program. Tullow and partners submitted the Greater Jubilee Full Field Development (GJFFD) plan in December 2015. Discussions with the government are ongoing.
Total is also still chipping away at its Egina oil field in the OML 130 license offshore Nigeria, with recoverable reserves estimated at 550 MMbbl of oil. Egina is expected to enter production by late 2017 or 2018.
African waters have also seen new activity. Speaking to Offshore, Mohamed Zine, IHS regional director, Africa, said that companies are still committed to developing the recently discovered, sizeable gas reserves offshore East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Mozambique.
Eni has already celebrated a string of successes offshore Africa this year, including off Mozambique. In February, the country’s government approved the first phase of a development plan for the deepwater Coral discovery, located in Offshore Area 4. Eni said it is the first plan to be approved within the Rovuma basin, a play opened by Anadarko in 2010. Estimating 16 tcf of gas in place, Eni said it is planning a six-well development with a 3.4 mtpa FPSO.
In addition, Ghana’s Ministry of Finance announced in January that the government came to an agreement with Eni to proceed with the $7 billion Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) integrated oil and gas project, which will see the development of the Sankofa and Gye Nyame fields. Oil production from OCTP is estimated at 80,000 b/d and will start in 2017, while gas comes onstream in 2018. In March, Eni picked up more Ghanaian acreage surrounding OCTP, and acquired a 40% operated interest from Chariot Oil & Gas in Morocco’s Rabat Deep Offshore license area.
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