Eni Uncovers 5 Tcf Gas, 450 MMbbl Condensate Offshore Côte d’Ivoire
Eni’s Murene South-1X well in Block CI-501 offshore Côte d’Ivoire unveiled 5.0 Tcf of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate, the nation’s second-largest hydrocarbon discovery. Proximity to Baleine infrastructure and a planned drill stem test could slash breakeven costs and fast-track production.
1. Gas and Condensate Discovery Details
The Murene South-1X well reached a total depth of 5,000 meters in 2,200 meters of water and encountered approximately 50 meters of gross hydrocarbon-bearing interval. Reservoir sands are estimated to hold 5.0 Tcf of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate, equivalent to roughly 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent in place.
2. Block CI-501 and Infrastructure Synergies
Block CI-501 is operated by Eni (90%) with state partner Petroci Holding (10%). The well lies 8 kilometers southwest of the Murene-1X discovery in adjacent Block CI-205 and sits near existing pipelines and production hubs developed for the Baleine field, enabling potential tie-back development.
3. Strategic Implications for Eni and Côte d’Ivoire
The discovery cements Eni’s dominance in Côte d’Ivoire’s upstream sector, where it holds interests in ten offshore blocks. Leveraging geological continuity and nearby infrastructure is expected to reduce development costs, accelerate appraisal, and strengthen the country’s role as an emerging regional gas exporter.