The Italian oil and gas company Eni has announced the discovery of the Calao field, the second largest in the country, during the exploration of block CI-205 (Côte d’Ivoire). Drilling operations took place approximately 45 kms off the coast in block CI-205, in the exploration well Murene 1X, where it encountered light oil, gas, and condensates. Preliminary assessments indicate potential resources ranging between 1 and 1.5 Gboe.
In August 2023, Eni started production from the Baleine field, located offshore Côte d'Ivoire. Baleine, discovered in September 2021, is said to hold estimated reserves of 2.5 Gbl (335 Mt) of oil and 3.3 tcf (93.4 bcm) of associated gas. Eni operates in Côte d’Ivoire since 2015. In addition to block CI-205, Eni holds participating interests in five other blocks in Ivorian deep waters: CI-101, CI-401, CI-501, CI-801, and CI-802, all in partnership with Petroci Holding.