Eni has announced a significant gas and condensate discovery offshore Côte d’Ivoire following the successful drilling of the Murene South-1X exploration well in Block CI-501. The discovery confirms the substantial potential of the Calao channel complex and further strengthens the country’s growing offshore energy portfolio.
The find, named Calao South, is estimated to hold up to 5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas and 450 million barrels (MMbbl) of condensate. It ranks as the second-largest hydrocarbon discovery in the country after the Baleine field.
Murene South-1X encountered hydrocarbons within high-quality Cenomanian sand reservoirs, confirming approximately 50 metres of gross hydrocarbon-bearing interval with strong petrophysical characteristics.
The well was drilled to a total depth of about 5,000 metres in 2,200 metres of water using the Saipem Santorini drillship. It is located roughly 8 kilometres southwest of the Murene-1X discovery in the adjacent CI-205 block. A full drill stem test is planned to evaluate production capacity and support further appraisal of the Calao complex.
Block CI-501 is operated by Eni with a 90% working interest, in partnership with Petroci Holding, which holds the remaining 10%. The discovery expands the Calao channel complex, building on earlier finds in the area and reinforcing continued exploration and development across Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore basin.
Eni has been active in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015, holding interests in several exploration blocks. The Baleine field — currently producing oil and gas through its initial development phases — remains a cornerstone of the country’s domestic energy supply and is expected to boost output further as additional phases come on stream.
