The Who Dat East Joint Venture, operated by LLOG, has sanctioned the development of the Who Dat East field, located in lease MC 509-1, in water depths of approximately 1,300 metres.

The project is a one-well development comprising the completion of the 2024 Who Dat East discovery well, the construction of a 29-kilometre pipeline to the Who Dat Floating Production System (FPS), installation of subsea controls, and minor upgrades to the FPS.

First production is expected in the second half of 2028, at an initial gross production rate of approximately 6,500 bopd of liquids and 50 MMscf/d of gas.

LLOG Exploration, which was acquired by Harbour Energy in February 2026, holds a 40% interest in the joint venture company alongside partners, Karoon USA (40%) and Westlawn Americas Offshore (20%).

A statement issued by Australia-listed Karoon Energy reported that its total net capital cost is estimated at US$155mn to US$165mn, which would equate to a total project cost of around US$400mn, split across the three equity partners.

It added that Who Dat East oil and gas production will be co-mingled, transported and processed through the existing Who Dat infrastructure and will follow the same routes to market.

“We are delighted to reach FID on Who Dat East,” said Karoon’s CEO and MD, Carri Lockhart.

“The development is economically attractive and will deliver material low cost, high margin production to Karoon when it comes online in the second half of 2028.”

Lockhart cited “strong collaboration” on the development and that the partners “look forward to commencing the construction phase of the project.”