BW Energy expands drilling at Dussafu

BW Energy, a Norwegian oil company, is speeding up development of the Dussafu oil field off Gabon's coast after recent drilling showed promising results. The company plans to add a new production well to its existing program, which includes connecting five new wells to the MaBoMo platform. Four of these were already planned, and the fifth will be drilled at the 10P2 discovery.

Production targets and capacity

BW Energy aims to produce between 30,000 and 45,000 barrels of oil per day from the Dussafu license. The upper limit of 40,000 barrels per day matches the maximum capacity of the BW Adolo FPSO, a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel used in offshore oil operations. This target was previously reached in early 2025 but has since dropped.

Current production and new wells

BW Energy's net production from Dussafu fell to 19,300 barrels per day in the second quarter of 2026, according to its financial report. To boost output, the company is using results from two appraisal wells, Hibiscus 10P1 and Hibiscus 10P2, which both found oil. These wells suggest an additional 8 to 9 million barrels of recoverable oil, potentially allowing BW Energy to recoup its investment in the 10P2 well within a year.

Drilling progress and future plans

BW Energy has drilled 14 wells at Dussafu, with 13 of them finding oil. First oil from the field is expected in early 2027, with the second phase of the MaBoMo platform set to begin production in the first quarter of that year. The company also plans to start production from the nearby Bourdon field in early 2028, with more appraisal drilling scheduled for 2028.

Operational priorities and ownership

BW Energy prioritized appraisal wells Hibiscus 10P1 and 10P2 before moving to production wells. The company also plans to upgrade an existing well in the Hibiscus field by replacing an immersed pump to restore its flow. BW Energy holds a 73.5% stake in the Dussafu permit, with Panoro Energy owning 17.5% and the Gabon Oil Company (GOG) holding the remaining 9%. Dussafu remains the group's primary producing field.