BW Energy has confirmed commercial oil volumes in two appraisal wells on the Dussafu license offshore Gabon, underwriting two additional production wells with estimated gross recovery of 8-9 million bbl of oil, the operator said Oct. 15.

The results convert appraisal-stage potential into a sanctioned development path in a license that already carries producing infrastructure — a distinction practitioners will recognise as the difference between resource growth and near-term barrels.

What did the wells find?

The 10P2 appraisal well encountered a 30-m oil column in the Gamba reservoir at the predicted structural level. Formation evaluation, wireline logs, and pressure data confirmed reservoir quality and pointed to potential initial production rates exceeding 5,000 bo/d gross. Incremental recovery from the location is estimated at 6 million bbl gross.

The 10P1 appraisal well, drilled on a separate accumulation, encountered a 16-m oil column. Formation evaluation confirmed movable oil and supported development with an additional production well.

Both wells sit within the 850-sq km Ruche Exclusive Exploitation Area, where average water depth is 116 m.

The takeaway: 10P2 carries the volume, 10P1 adds a second producing location, and together they firm up the next phase of the Dussafu drilling programme.

How does the development sequence run?

The rig is moving to the MaBoMo production platform, where BW Energy will replace an electrical submersible pump in an existing Hibiscus well before drilling four MaBoMo Phase 2 producers and a fifth well at the 10P2 location.

The first of the new production wells will be drilled as part of the ongoing MaBoMo Phase 2 campaign. First oil is expected in first-quarter 2027.

The company expects the new wells to produce about 5,000 bo/d gross each initially. MaBoMo Phase 2 is expected to add as much as 20,000 bo/d gross at peak production.

For operators watching Gabon's deepwater margins, the sequencing matters: pump work on Hibiscus protects base production while Phase 2 drilling builds the increment.

What follows the MaBoMo campaign?

After completing MaBoMo, BW Energy plans to drill an infill well on the Tortue field and proceed with the Bourdon Phase 1 development, scheduled for first oil in first-quarter 2028. Additional appraisal drilling in the Bourdon area, including the Walt Whitman prospect, is planned in 2028.

That timeline keeps a continuous rig sequence on the license through 2028, with Bourdon the next decision point beyond the currently sanctioned work.

Who holds the license?

BW Energy holds a 73.5% operated interest in Dussafu. Partners are Panoro Energy ASA (17.5%) and Gabon Oil Co. (9%).

The watch item: first oil from the initial Phase 2 producer in first-quarter 2027, with the 20,000 bo/d peak increment the number that will define the campaign's success.