Eni Initiates Partner Search for Offshore Drilling in Mozambique

Advertisement

Expanding Offshore Operations in Northern Mozambique

Italian energy giant Eni has launched a quest for a strategic partner to undertake offshore drilling activities in Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin, situated within Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. This move comes as part of Eni’s ongoing efforts to further develop its presence in the region, which already includes liquefied natural gas (LNG) exploration and export through the Coral Sul project.

Ambitious Drilling Project Details

According to Eni’s official announcement on Wednesday (13), the contracted rig will play a pivotal role in drilling, completing, and testing four wells. The anticipated start-up for these operations is slated for the third quarter of the following year. While Eni has not explicitly stated the objectives of this new drilling endeavor, local reports suggest it is tied to preparations for a second floating platform known as Coral Norte.

Advertisement

Coral Norte: Unlocking the Full Potential

The creation of the second platform, Coral Norte, is seen by Eni as a strategic move to fully capitalize on the gas resources found in the Coral reserve. This ambitious undertaking is projected to require an investment of approximately seven billion US dollars. However, its realization remains contingent upon approval from the Mozambican government.

Accelerating Production in Northern Mozambique

Should the project adhere to its proposed timeline, Coral Norte could commence production as early as the second half of 2027. This timeline may even precede the initiation of onshore projects, which hinge on the resolution of security concerns stemming from ongoing terrorist threats in Cabo Delgado.

Building on the success of Coral Sul

Notably, Coral Sul, which began production in November of the previous year, marked a significant milestone as the first project to harness the vast gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin.

Advertisement

Specific Rig Requirements

In its announcement, Eni has outlined specific criteria for the contracted drilling infrastructure. These include a nominal water depth capability of 3,000 meters, a minimum drilling depth of 5,500 meters, and the capacity to operate effectively in challenging conditions characterized by strong sea currents. Additionally, the rig must be equipped with a suitable riser drilling system to meet the project’s demands effectively.

Read Also

Advertisement
Advertisement