Gabon: BW Energy announces 56 million barrels at the Bourdon field

A significant oil discovery has just been announced by the Norwegian company BW Energy in Gabon. The DBM-1 ST2 well at the Bourdon field, located off the coast of La Nyanga province, has revealed a potential of 56 million barrels of oil, of which 25 million are considered recoverable. This announcement marks a turning point for national oil production and reinforces Gabon's position as a key player in the sector in Central Africa.

The discovery, described by BW Energy officials as "unexpected", was not included in the company's latest reserves report for 2024. According to Carl K. Arnet, Chief Executive Officer of BW Energy, "this deposit represents a significant addition to our resources and opens the way to new development opportunities". The company is already considering the creation of a new stand-alone development cluster, comprising at least four production wells, to exploit this resource.

Ranked sixth among the ten oil operators active in Gabon according to the EITI 2022 report, BW Energy confirms its strategic role in the Gabonese oil sector. This discovery at the Bourdon field strengthens the Norwegian company's presence in a country where oil remains a key economic pillar.

Gabon, recognised as one of Central Africa's leading oil producers, could see its national production boosted by this new resource. As the country seeks to diversify its economy, this discovery offers an opportunity to consolidate its oil revenues in the short and medium term, while potentially attracting new investment to the sector.

This announcement comes at a time when the global oil industry is facing challenges linked to the energy transition. However, for Gabon and BW Energy, the Bourdon field represents an opportunity to maximise the value of existing resources while planning for responsible and sustainable exploitation.