Saipem has secured a contract valued at approximately US$260 million to support a long-term offshore drilling campaign for Eni Côte d’Ivoire Limited, with operations expected to begin in early 2027.
The contract was awarded by Eni Côte d’Ivoire Limited, a subsidiary of Italian energy company Eni S.p.A., as the company continues offshore activities in the country.
Under the agreement announced on July 22, Saipem’s Santorini drillship will be deployed for offshore development activities in Côte d’Ivoire. The contract includes a firm drilling commitment, with options for additional periods and potential deployment of the rig in neighboring countries.
“This new award confirms Saipem’s competitive positioning in offshore drilling, as well as its ability to efficiently deploy its high-specification assets in support of clients’ exploration, appraisal and development activities,” the company said.
The drilling campaign will support Eni’s Baleine development offshore Côte d’Ivoire, which began after the 2021 discovery of the Baleine field in Block CI-101. The project achieved first oil in 2023 through the Firenze floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, with future phases focused on expanding production through additional subsea infrastructure.
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The Santorini is part of Saipem’s offshore drilling fleet, which includes 12 drilling rigs, nine of which are owned by the company.
Saipem provides engineering, construction and drilling services for offshore and onshore energy projects and operates across more than 50 countries.
The company said the contract further strengthens its offshore drilling activities as operators continue to advance exploration and development projects in emerging oil and gas regions.
