SLB has strengthened its position in the global offshore energy sector after its OneSubsea joint venture secured a major engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract from Eni for the Baleine Phase 3 deepwater development offshore Côte d’Ivoire. The award reinforces OneSubsea’s role as a key technology partner in one of West Africa’s largest and most strategically important offshore oil and gas projects.
The contract covers the delivery of complete subsea production systems (SPS) for 13 wells that will support the next phase of the Baleine field development. As the flagship offshore energy project in Côte d’Ivoire, Baleine is expected to significantly increase the country’s oil and natural gas production while strengthening its position as an emerging energy producer in West Africa.
Under the EPC agreement, SLB OneSubsea will supply a fully integrated subsea production system that includes subsea trees, umbilicals, manifolds, multiphase flowmeters and subsea control systems. The company will also oversee equipment installation, commissioning and life-of-field support, providing Eni with a complete subsea solution from project execution through long-term operations.
The integrated delivery model is designed to simplify project execution, reduce interface risks and accelerate the development schedule for Baleine Phase 3. By combining engineering, manufacturing, installation and operational support under a single contract, OneSubsea aims to improve efficiency while ensuring high levels of reliability for deepwater production.
According to Mads Hjelmeland, Chief Executive Officer of SLB OneSubsea, the Baleine Phase 3 project combines large-scale development with execution certainty, allowing the company to leverage its advanced subsea production technologies alongside its established local presence in Côte d’Ivoire.
Project execution will be supported by SLB OneSubsea’s in-country workforce and local capabilities, enabling efficient delivery throughout construction, installation and long-term field operations. The emphasis on local execution also supports Côte d’Ivoire’s broader objectives of developing domestic capabilities and increasing participation in major offshore energy projects.
The latest award builds on the continued expansion of the Baleine development, one of the most significant deepwater discoveries in the Gulf of Guinea. Once fully developed, Baleine Phase 3 is expected to increase total field production to approximately 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, making it one of the largest offshore developments in West Africa. The project is central to Eni’s long-term growth strategy in Africa while supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition to enhance energy security and expand domestic gas supplies for power generation and industrial development.
For SLB and OneSubsea, the EPC award further strengthens their reputation as leading providers of integrated subsea production systems for complex offshore developments. As operators increasingly pursue fast-track deepwater projects, integrated EPC solutions have become critical for reducing project timelines, improving operational efficiency and maximizing long-term production performance.
The Baleine Phase 3 contract also highlights the growing demand for advanced subsea technologies across Africa’s offshore oil and gas sector. With Eni continuing to expand the Baleine field and additional development phases progressing, OneSubsea is well positioned to play a significant role in supporting one of the continent’s most important offshore energy projects.
