Eni has taken a final investment decision for Phase 3 of the Baleine oil and gas development offshore Côte d’Ivoire.

The decision was approved with Petroci and Vitol, advancing the next stage of what has been described as the country’s largest hydrocarbon discovery.

Phase 3 will increase oil production from 60,000 barrels per day to 150,000 barrels per day, while gas output will rise from 80 million cubic feet per day to 200 million cubic feet per day. All gas produced from the development will be supplied to the domestic market in Côte d’Ivoire.

The increase in gas supply is intended to support the country’s energy demand, expand electricity generation and contribute to industrial development.

The project includes a new floating production, storage and offloading unit designed to support operational efficiency, safety and lower environmental impact.

The third development phase follows the same phased and fast-track approach used during the first two stages of Baleine. The model has enabled early production while making use of existing infrastructure and improving project execution efficiency.

CEO Claudio Descalzi said the project demonstrates Eni’s development model through exploration capabilities, phased project delivery and ongoing cooperation with the host country.