Senegal: President Bassirou Diomaye FAYE visits the FPSO Léopold Sédar Senghor

The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, today visited the Sangomar oil field, located 100 km off the coast of Dakar, to see the progress of production work on the Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO. This visit marks a crucial stage in the development of Senegal's oil sector, with the first phase of production in full swing and the first commercial cargo expected in early July.

A full briefing on safety and the contractual framework

The presidential visit began with a detailed briefing on the safety arrangements in place and the contractual framework for the project. The President then took the central gangway to the turret, where he was able to observe at close quarters the use and usefulness of the FPSO's various modules.

A complex infrastructure for efficient production

The Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO is equipped with 23 wells, each secured by "Christmas trees", devices used to open and close the wells. The hydrocarbons extracted from the seabed pass through flexible flow lines called risers to the top of the FPSO. This infrastructure allows the oil, water and gas to be mixed before being separated by specialised facilities.

Rigorous management and promising production

Chairman Bassirou Diomaye Faye also visited the command and control room, where he was briefed on details of current production. To date, three wells are in production, producing measurable quantities of gas, oil and water. The first barrel extracted on 11 June marks a milestone in this first phase of production.

Promoting Senegalese expertise

The President welcomed the strong presence of Senegalese expertise in this major project. He congratulated the young engineers and technicians for their dedication and commitment, stressing that the resources generated by this operation will be managed for the benefit of present and future generations, with particular attention paid to the development of other sectors.

In his speech, Chairman Bassirou Diomaye Faye underlined the importance of this project for Senegal: "This is a special turning point for the country. We've been looking for it for a long time, and now it's finally here. We expect resources from it, but the resources we expect from it must be channelled into the development of other sectors. I want to keep a clear head and say that whatever will be drawn from it, whatever the proportion, will be administered for the benefit of current and future generations, and it will be administered by the government as a good father."

He also praised the investment and collaboration with partner Woodside, while reaffirming Senegal's commitment to maintaining a calm and mutually beneficial partnership.

This presidential visit to the Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO symbolises a new era for oil production in Senegal, with significant economic benefits expected. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the work and his confidence in the promising future of this development for the country.