Senegal signs Eni MoU to assess SN01M, SN02M, SN03M, SN07M and SN40M offshore blocks
Senegal has signed an agreement with Italian energy major Eni to assess the oil and gas potential of five offshore blocks as the country seeks to revive exploration and attract new investment into its petroleum sector.
The memorandum of understanding covers blocks SN01M, SN02M, SN03M, SN07M and SN40M, located within Senegal’s offshore sedimentary basin.
Under the agreement, Eni will fully finance and conduct preliminary technical studies covering the geological and geophysical characteristics of the five blocks.
Technical studies to assess potential
The programme will include analysis of existing 2D and 3D seismic data, available well data and other geological information to determine the hydrocarbon potential of the acreage.
Technical workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions and other exchanges are also planned as part of the assessment.
Senegal’s national oil company PETROSEN will participate as a technical partner and is expected to play a central role in the evaluation and future development of the country’s sedimentary basin.
Part of wider exploration drive
The agreement forms part of the government’s strategy to increase exploration activity, promote Senegal’s petroleum acreage and attract international oil and gas companies.
Energy and Petroleum Minister El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf said the partnership reflected the government’s intention to place exploration at the centre of its petroleum strategy while strengthening PETROSEN’s role in developing national resources.
The government has indicated that 109 oil and gas blocks could be opened to local and international investors as Senegal seeks to expand exploration across its largely underexplored sedimentary basin.
Importantly, the Eni agreement does not constitute a petroleum contract or award exploration or production rights.
It establishes a preliminary study and discussion phase, with any future exploration agreement subject to Senegal’s regulatory and approval procedures.
