Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegal marked a significant milestone in its economic history with the production of its first barrel of oil from the Sangomar Woodside field on June 10. This landmark achievement, announced by Woodside Energy Group, represents the country’s first offshore oil project.

The Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO, named after the country’s first president of Senegal, is moored about 100 km offshore. The vessel has a storage capacity of 1,300,000 bbl. The Phase 1 development includes 23 wells (11 production wells, 10 water injection wells and 2 gas injection wells). 21 of the 23 wells have been drilled and completed including 9 production wells. To date, 21 of the 23 Phase 1 wells (11 producers, 10 water injectors and two gas injectors) have been drilled and completed. Woodside and partner PETROSEN have now approved a 24th well— a producer, which will be completed in the current campaign.

The company proudly declared the safe completion of this milestone. “Sangomar Woodside, operator of the RSSD joint venture, announces the safe completion of the production of the first barrel from the Sangomar field located offshore Senegal and constituting the country’s first offshore oil project,” the company stated in a press release.

Phase 1 Development

Phase 1 remains on track to cost in the range of $4.9 billion to $5.2 billion, Woodside added. Production will ramp up steadily during the year, with the anticipated crude quality of ~31°API set to be in demand in European and Asian markets. The phase includes a self-contained offshore production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) facility situated in deep waters. This facility boasts a nominal capacity of 100,000 barrels per day and is connected to underwater infrastructure designed to accommodate additional phases of development.

A Historic Day for Senegal

“This is a historic day for Senegal and for Woodside,” said Meg O’Neil, CEO of Woodside. “The first barrel from the Sangomar field is a key milestone which demonstrates the realization of our strategy. The Sangomar project is expected to generate value for shareholders in accordance with the terms of the Research and Production Sharing Agreement.”

O’Neil further emphasized the significance of this achievement amidst global challenges. “The safe delivery of Senegal’s first oil and offshore project, despite a period marked by unprecedented global challenges, demonstrates Woodside’s ability to execute world-class projects. We are proud of the relationships we have built with PETROSEN, the State of Senegal, and our main international and local subcontractors to develop this nationally important resource.”

National Pride and Economic Potential

The General Director of PETROSEN ESP, Thierno Ly, expressed his satisfaction with this development. “The start of Sangomar oil production marks a new era for the industry, the economy of our country, and for our populations. It is the result of the commitment of the various teams who worked tirelessly to meet the challenges and achieve our strategic objectives in a complex and demanding environment. We have never been so well positioned to seize so many opportunities for growth, innovation, and success for the economic and social development of our country,” he said.

The successful commencement of oil production from the Sangomar field is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Senegal, enhancing its position in the global energy market and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.