The project
In September 2022, two contracts were assigned by Eni Côte d'Ivoire for the Baleine Phase 1 Project, in order to develop the sizeable Oil and Gas field just offshore the Côte d'Ivoire, at a depth of 1,200 m. Baleine is the largest commercial discovery in the country in the last 20 years. It will help generate power in the Côte d'Ivoire, strengthening the country’s role as a regional energy hub. Saipem contributed to the discovery of the field, with work done by the Saipem 10000 and Saipem 12000 drilling vessels.
An extraordinary project
The first contract entails Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) activities of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF), as well as an onshore gas pipeline for connection to the distribution grid. The offshore laying of flexible lines, risers, and umbilicals was carried out by Saipem’s flagship vessel FDS2, and the development of the project will be fast-tracked. The second contract - also developed on a fast-track schedule - encompassed engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities related to the refurbishment of the Firenze FPSO, plus 10 years of vessel operations and maintenance services. The scope of work involved refurbishments, replacements, upgrades, and life extension of the FPSO, along with the fabrication and integration activities of the FPSO topsides, turret and mooring systems, in order to fully support the plateau production of 15,000 bbl/day and around 17.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of associated gas. The FPSO, with a max POB of 76 pax, achieved 1st oil production in August 2023 and 1st gas in November 2023.
