BW Energy has confirmed a significant oil discovery at the Bourdon prospect in the Dussafu License offshore Gabon, strengthening its reserve base and paving the way for future developments in the region.
The company’s second sidetrack well, DBM-1 ST2, revealed good reservoir and fluid quality, indicating substantial potential for commercial extraction.
According to management estimates, 56 million barrels of oil are in place at the Bourdon prospect, of which approximately 25 million barrels are considered recoverable.
The well was drilled using the Norve jack-up rig to a total depth of 4,731 meters, providing crucial data for BW Energy’s next steps in field development.
“The appraisal well confirms the potential for establishing a new development cluster with a production facility following the MaBoMo blueprint.
“We expect at least four producing wells.”
Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy
Arnet emphasized the strategic importance of this discovery, noting that it aligns with the company’s broader goal of expanding the Dussafu reserve base.
“We continue to successfully expand the Dussafu reserve base which, together with multiple additional prospects yet to be drilled, will support long-term production and value-creation in Gabon.”
Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy
Preliminary analysis has shown that oil from the Bourdon field has the lowest viscosity among the Dussafu discoveries. Measurements indicate an average viscosity of 3.5 centipoise (cp), compared to 5 cp and 7 cp for the Hibiscus / Tortue and Ruche fields, respectively.
Evaluation of logging data and formation pressure measurements has confirmed approximately 11.2 meters of pay within an overall hydrocarbon column of 35.2 meters in the Gamba formation. These results underscore Bourdon’s potential as a viable production hub within the Dussafu License.
Strategic Plans for BW Energy in Gabon
The Bourdon prospect is positioned 15 kilometers west of FPSO BW Adolo and 7.5 kilometers southeast of the MaBoMo facility. This strategic location enhances operational efficiency and enables BW Energy to leverage existing infrastructure for faster project execution.
Arnet reiterated that the discovery would enable BW Energy to book additional reserves, which were not initially included in the company’s 2024 Statement of Reserves.
“This is an important milestone in our efforts to unlock new opportunities in Gabon’s offshore sector.”
Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy
The Bourdon discovery reinforces BW Energy’s commitment to sustained exploration and development within Gabon’s oil-rich offshore regions.
With several additional prospects yet to be drilled, industry analysts expect the company’s reserve portfolio to continue growing, further bolstering Gabon’s position as a key player in African oil production.
BW Energy’s success in expanding the Dussafu License reserve base also signals strong investor confidence, highlighting the company’s effective exploration strategies and efficient resource management.
BW Energy plans to proceed with further appraisal and development planning, with expectations of spudding additional production wells in the near future.
The company remained optimistic that multiple undrilled prospects within the Dussafu block will continue to deliver meaningful discoveries.
“Our forward-looking approach is paying off.
“Bourdon is just one of many steps we’re taking to solidify our position in offshore Gabon and to deliver value to both shareholders and the host country.”
Carl K. Arnet, CEO of BW Energy
With oil market dynamics continually evolving, BW Energy’s confirmation of substantial reserves in Bourdon marks a significant win for Gabon’s energy sector.
As drilling activities advance, stakeholders will closely monitor BW Energy’s ability to translate promising geological findings into sustainable production and long-term economic benefits.
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