What is the primary objective of this newbuild FPSO?

The vessel is designed to process, store, and offload hydrocarbons for the upcoming phases of Eni's deepwater projects off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire. It will significantly scale up daily crude and natural gas production compared to initial phase capacities.

Why did Eni select Wison New Energies for this construction project?

Wison New Energies possesses extensive EPC expertise in complex floating LNG and FPSO construction, offering competitive delivery schedules and specialized yard capacity. This aligns with Eni's fast-track project execution strategy that emphasizes rapid commercialization of offshore discoveries.

What does this development mean for West Africa's energy landscape?

It cements Côte d'Ivoire's role as a major emerging hydrocarbon producer in the region. The added capacity will not only enhance government revenues through exports but also secure domestic natural gas feedstocks to generate reliable power.

Offshore Energy · September 1, 2026 (23h ago) · 1 min read

Wison fires starting gun on FPSO fabrication for Eni’s African oil & gas project

ENI S.p.A.

Isometric technical illustration of offshore oil and gas operations with drillship and support vessel — Illustration: ENI S.p.A.

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Fabrication has officially commenced in China on a brand-new floating production, storage, and offloading unit destined for Italian major Eni's deepwater operations off Côte d'Ivoire. This initial steel-cutting milestone represents a major step toward scaling up production in West Africa's emerging deepwater basin. For Eni, expanding its offshore infrastructure reflects an aggressive fast-track strategy designed to commercialize deepwater hydrocarbons rapidly with modern, lower-emission vessel architecture.

Key Facts

Wison New Energies has conducted the first steel-cutting ceremony for a newbuild FPSO hull and topsides.
The offshore unit is commissioned for Italian supermajor Eni to serve deepwater developments offshore Côte d'Ivoire.
Fabrication and construction activities are taking place at Wison New Energies' shipyard facilities in China.
The new vessel will support the next production phase of Eni's flagship Baleine or associated deepwater discoveries in the Ivorian basin.
Eni continues to deploy fast-track modular development models to reduce cycle times from offshore discovery to first oil.

Background & Context

Eni made the giant Baleine discovery offshore Côte d'Ivoire in September 2021, followed by additional exploration success in the basin. The operator brought Phase 1 online in record time—less than two years from discovery—utilizing a refurbished FPSO and an FSO. To unlock subsequent development phases and boost combined hydrocarbon output, Eni contracted Wison New Energies to deliver high-capacity newbuild floating production infrastructure.

Market Impact

This construction milestone reinforces the growing market share of Chinese offshore yards in delivering high-spec floating production infrastructure for Western operators. For Côte d'Ivoire, the deployment of this FPSO will substantially elevate domestic energy security and export revenues, positioning the nation as a premier West African upstream hub. The project also showcases Eni's operational blueprint of pairing phased modular growth with advanced emission-reduction technologies on newly built floating facilities.

What to Watch

Industry observers will track the hull construction milestones and subsequent topside module integration at Wison's yard over the next 18 to 24 months. Key operational checkpoints include vessel launch, sail-away to West African waters, hook-up, and commissioning for first hydrocarbon production in line with Eni's target delivery window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary objective of this newbuild FPSO?: The vessel is designed to process, store, and offload hydrocarbons for the upcoming phases of Eni's deepwater projects off the coast of Côte d'Ivoire. It will significantly scale up daily crude and natural gas production compared to initial phase capacities.
Why did Eni select Wison New Energies for this construction project?: Wison New Energies possesses extensive EPC expertise in complex floating LNG and FPSO construction, offering competitive delivery schedules and specialized yard capacity. This aligns with Eni's fast-track project execution strategy that emphasizes rapid commercialization of offshore discoveries.
What does this development mean for West Africa's energy landscape?: It cements Côte d'Ivoire's role as a major emerging hydrocarbon producer in the region. The added capacity will not only enhance government revenues through exports but also secure domestic natural gas feedstocks to generate reliable power.

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