Eni and Partners Launch New Drilling Phase in Ghana’s OCTP Block

Eni Ghana, in collaboration with Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has officially commenced a new phase of drilling operations in the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block. The activity is focused on the Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2 well and represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry.

This new drilling campaign underscores the consortium’s strategic commitment to enhancing Ghana’s domestic energy supply and sustaining long-term hydrocarbon production. It also reflects a broader objective of maximizing the potential of the OCTP block, which has been a cornerstone of Ghana’s offshore exploration and development efforts.

At the heart of this operation is the Deep Value Driller, one of the most sophisticated drillships currently in service globally. Featuring advanced automation systems and cutting-edge safety technologies, the rig has been mobilized offshore Ghana following its most recent assignment in Côte d’Ivoire. Its deployment highlights the technical capacity and safety standards being applied to ensure a high-performing and environmentally responsible drilling process.

In a public statement, Eni Ghana emphasized the importance of this new operation, noting that it aligns with the partners’ long-term vision for production sustainability and national energy security. “This activity reflects the partners’ ongoing commitment to unlocking additional value from the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) block, ensuring long-term production sustainability and contributing to Ghana’s energy security,” the statement read.

The OCTP project has been one of Ghana’s most successful offshore ventures, combining oil and non-associated gas production in a uniquely integrated model. This enables Ghana to meet both export and domestic power generation needs, reducing reliance on imported fuels and strengthening energy independence.

In preparation for the drilling activities, Eni and its partners carried out an extensive stakeholder engagement programme along Ghana’s coastal regions. More than 800 individuals, including local fishermen, traditional leaders, and community representatives, were actively involved in consultations and sensitization sessions.

This outreach effort was conducted in close partnership with key national regulatory and advisory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Petroleum Commission, the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, the Fisheries Commission, and the Ghana National Canoe Fishermen Council. These collaborative engagements were designed to foster trust, promote transparency, and ensure that local communities were well-informed about the upcoming operations and potential impacts.

A central focus of the stakeholder programme was to address concerns related to marine safety and the protection of local livelihoods, particularly those dependent on fishing. By proactively engaging communities and ensuring open communication channels, Eni and its partners aim to minimize disruptions and enhance cooperation throughout the life of the project.

Eni has had a strong presence in Ghana since 2009 and continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s energy development. The company currently produces approximately 34,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from the OCTP block. Within the project, Eni holds a 44.4% interest, Vitol holds 35.6%, and GNPC retains a 20% stake, aligning private sector expertise with public sector strategic interests.

The commencement of this new drilling phase marks another important chapter in Ghana’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency. With a firm focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the OCTP partners are poised to drive continued progress in Ghana’s oil and gas sector while supporting broader economic and social development goals.