Vaalco Energy said a development well offshore Gabon delivered strong initial production results, while the restart of output from the Baobab FPSO offshore Côte d’Ivoire remains on track for the second quarter of 2026.
The company stated that the Etame 14H well has been drilled, completed and brought on stream. Initial production was about 4,850 barrels of oil per day on a gross basis, or 2,850 bpd net to Vaalco Energy.
According to the company, the well encountered 325 m of net pay in Gamba reservoir sands. It also reported higher-than-expected porosity and permeability in the reservoir.
Following the completion of Etame 14H, the rig moved to the Ebouri platform, where drilling has started on the EEBOM-5H development well. The well is targeting an attic position through a sidetrack from a previously abandoned well.
Separately, the Baobab FPSO has returned to Côte d’Ivoire after a 47-day tow from Dubai, where the vessel underwent refurbishment. It has been re-moored at the field and is now undergoing reconnection of risers and umbilicals.
Vaalco Energy said production from the Baobab field is expected to restart by the end of the second quarter of 2026. The company added that the combined effect of the Gabon drilling campaign and the Baobab restart is expected to support growth through 2026.
