cb.web.local Vaalco aims optimisation from infill well on Etame Block - Offshore Network
  • Region: West Africa
  • Topics: Well Intervention
  • Date: 11th December 2025

vaalcogabonTo reach optimised production results, Vaalco Energy has begun the spudding of the ET-15 infill well on the Etame platform as part of Phase Three Drilling Programme offshore Gabon. 

This infill well is anticipated to significantly add to the production generation capacity of the floating storage and offloading vessel (FSO) that is operational on the Etame Block since 2022 following an extensive transition and field reconfiguration process. While a low cost solution, the FSO boasts of a high storage capacity and improved operational performance. It has helped Vaalco reach  operational excellence, and production uptime and enhancement.

George Maxwell, Vaalco’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are excited to commence our drilling campaign in offshore Gabon and are beginning the near-term series of value creation catalysts that we outlined to the market in our Capital Markets Day presentation this past May. The drilling rig arrived in late November, and we have spud our first well, the ET-15. We are initiating the programme at the Etame platform with this infill well and the pilot holes. After drilling at the Etame platform, we expect to move the rig to the SEENT and Ebouri platforms where we have several wells and workovers planned to enhance production, lower costs and potentially add reserves. As we enter 2026, with major projects underway in both Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire, we are looking to drive meaningful growth that we believe will translate into value for our shareholders for the remainder of the decade.”

As previously announced, the Company secured a drilling rig in December 2024 in conjunction with its Phase Three Drilling Programme, with an affiliate of Borr Drilling.