BW Energy has confirmed 8–9 million barrels (mbbl) of combined gross recoverable oil from two appraisal wells at the Dussafu licence offshore Gabon, the operator reported. Wells 10P2 and 10P1 both encountered oil with sufficient reservoir quality to support further production development.

The result extends the company's drilling record at Dussafu to 13 successful exploration and appraisal wells out of 14 attempts.

What did the appraisal wells find?

Well 10P2 intersected a 30m oil column in the Gamba reservoir at a structural level matching pre-drill forecasts. Wireline logging (downhole measurement of rock and fluid properties) and pressure testing indicated good porosity and permeability.

BW Energy expects a future production well at this location to deliver initial gross output above 5,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), comparable to earlier MaBoMo phase one wells. The company estimates payback in under a year, with incremental recovery of 6 mbbl gross.

Well 10P1 intersected a separate accumulation with a 16m oil column. Formation evaluation showed moveable oil and reservoir quality adequate for development through an additional production well. The company has not yet set timing for that well, which depends on the wider Dussafu drilling schedule, including the Bourdon phase one programme.

The two wells convert appraisal-stage volumes into a sanctioned development opportunity.

How does the find fit the development plan?

Drilling operations are moving to the existing MaBoMo facility. BW Energy plans first to replace an electrical submersible pump (a downhole pump that lifts oil to surface) in one of the Hibiscus wells.

The rig will then drill:

• four MaBoMo phase two production wells;
• one additional well at the 10P2 site.

Each well is expected to produce around 5,000 bopd gross at start-up. With sequential startups, peak phase two production could reach 20,000 bopd gross.

BW Energy CEO Carl Arnet said: "The discovery of oil in both appraisal wells is another strong result at Dussafu and brings our track record as operator to 13 successful exploration and appraisal wells out of 14."

Arnet added: "We have proved additional volumes and can add at least one high-value, fast-track well with a short payback time to the current programme."

What comes next at Dussafu?

The forward schedule includes a Tortue field infill well and the Bourdon phase one development, with first oil planned for the first quarter of 2028. Walt Whitman and additional Bourdon appraisal drilling follow in 2028.

Together, these initiatives support a long-term gross production target of 30,000–45,000 bopd from Dussafu.

The company recently secured $208 million in project-level lease financing for the Akoum wellhead platform planned for the Bourdon field. Arnet noted: "With our recent licence extension, we have significant runway to continue growing production in this highly prospective area for years to come."

Licence interests are split with BW Energy holding 73.5% as operator, Panoro Energy 17.5%, and Gabon Oil Company 9%.

The watch item is the first of the four MaBoMo phase two wells, the earliest test of whether the 20,000 bopd gross peak holds.