Italian energy major Eni, together with its partners PETROCI and Vitol, has officially approved the final investment decision (FID) for the Baleine Phase 3 project, marking a major advancement in the development of Côte d’Ivoire’s largest-ever hydrocarbon discovery. The announcement was made during an official ceremony in Abidjan attended by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly.
The Baleine Phase 3 expansion is expected to significantly boost the country’s energy production capacity, increasing oil output from 60,000 barrels per day to 150,000 barrels per day, while natural gas production will rise from 80 million cubic feet per day to 200 million cubic feet per day. The project reinforces Côte d’Ivoire’s growing role as a strategic energy hub in West Africa and highlights the increasing global interest in the region’s offshore resources.
Eni Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi described Baleine as a clear demonstration of the company’s fast-track and phased development strategy, combining exploration excellence with sustainable energy practices. According to Descalzi, the project reflects Eni’s long-term commitment to strengthening energy security, supporting local economic growth, and contributing to a lower-carbon energy future through responsible resource development.
A central component of the Phase 3 development is the construction of a new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit. The facility is designed to deliver high operational efficiency, enhanced safety standards, and reduced environmental impact. The phased development model adopted for Baleine has already proven successful during the first two phases, enabling rapid production startup while optimizing infrastructure investments and controlling development costs.
The gas produced from the Baleine field will be directed entirely to Côte d’Ivoire’s domestic market, supporting the country’s electricity generation capacity and accelerating industrial development. The project is also expected to strengthen national energy security by increasing the availability of locally produced natural gas for power generation and economic expansion.
Eni has operated in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015 and has played a key role in unlocking the country’s offshore energy potential through the Baleine and Calao discoveries. These discoveries have elevated Côte d’Ivoire’s profile as one of the most promising emerging energy markets in West Africa. Beyond energy production, the company continues to invest in long-term sustainable development initiatives across education, healthcare, professional training, economic diversification, and local entrepreneurship.
The approval of Baleine Phase 3 represents a transformative step for Côte d’Ivoire’s oil and gas sector, positioning the country for accelerated economic growth while reinforcing its ambition to become a leading energy producer in Africa.
