Senegal has entered the select circle of oil-producing countries. Woodside, operator of the Rufisque offshore, Sangomar offshore and Sangomar deep offshore (Rssd) joint venture, yesterday announced the production of the first barrel from the Sangomar oil field.

Finally, Senegal has become an oil-producing country. Production of the first barrel from the Sangomar field, located offshore Senegal and the country’s first offshore oil project, is now underway. This was announced by Woodside, operator of the Rufisque offshore, Sangomar offshore and Sangomar deep offshore (Rssd) joint venture.

The realization of the « first oil » project, which has been postponed several times, is now a reality, bringing Senegal into the select circle of oil-producing countries.

Sangomar oil fields: Senegal produces its first barrel

« This is a historic day for Senegal and for Woodside. The safe delivery of Senegal’s first offshore oil project, despite a period marked by unprecedented global challenges, demonstrates Woodside’s ability to execute world-class projects. The first barrel from the Sangomar field is a key milestone that demonstrates the realization of our strategy, » said Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill, quoted in a press release.

In implementing this 1st phase of the Sangomar project, Woodside is in a joint venture with Senegal Petroleum Company (Petrosen), with an 82% and 18% stake respectively. In this regard, Woodside’s CEO is delighted with the relationships they have « forged with Petrosen, the State of Senegal and the main international and local subcontractors to develop this nationally important resource. The Sangomar project is expected to generate shareholder value in accordance with the terms of the Exploration and Production Sharing Contract ».

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For the Managing Director of Petrosen E&P, who also expressed his satisfaction with this milestone, « the start of oil production at Sangomar marks a new era for the industry, the economy of our country and for our people ». For Thierno Ly, « it is the result of the commitment of the various teams who have worked relentlessly 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 ».

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Phase 1 of the Sangomar field development comprises a stand-alone deepwater production, storage and offloading facility (Fpso) with a nominal capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, linked to subsea infrastructure designed to accommodate additional phases of development. The Fpso Léopold Sédar Senghor is moored around 100 kilometres offshore Senegal, with a storage capacity of 1,300,000 barrels. Phase 1 development comprises 23 wells, including 11 production wells, 10 water injection wells and 2 gas injection wells.

NJ Ayuk, of the African Energy Chamber: « Senegal’s future is promising, but… »

The African Chamber of Energy (Aec) congratulated Woodside and its partner Petrosen on reaching « this historic milestone ». Indeed, explains Chairman Nj Ayuk, « the first production should open up new prospects for economic growth in the country and confirm the essential role played by oil and gas in Africa ».

« We believe that oil revenues will enable the government and citizens of Senegal to develop their country. Senegal’s future is bright, but we can only secure it by strengthening legislation, preserving the sanctity of contracts, fostering an enabling environment, supporting local content, emphasizing education, following a balanced development paradigm, and utilizing the best skills in the oil and gas industry through partnerships, » Mr. Ayuk maintained. He remains « convinced that the government and Woodside will continue this strong working relationship and partnership to make Senegal the regional energy hub… ».

By Dialigué FAYE / dialigue@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH