BW Energy’s Bourdon Project to Boost Gabon’s Offshore Oil Output
Phased development targets 25 million barrels of reserves, leverages Dussafu infrastructure, and aligns with Gabon’s modest production gains.
By Samuel Okocha
BW Energy has approved the Bourdon development offshore Gabon, a phased project expected to add 25 million barrels of gross 2P reserves and deliver first oil in the first quarter of 2028.
The plan extends the company’s infrastructure‑led approach in the Dussafu license, using the Akoum rig as a wellhead platform tied back to the BW Adolo FPSO. That structure is expected to keep capital costs lower and allow later expansion without the expense of a standalone offshore development.
The Bourdon project builds on BW Energy’s exploration success earlier in 2025. In February that year, the company said it planned to expand offshore activities by targeting nearby blocks around the Dussafu licence, citing geological continuity with existing fields and the presence of established infrastructure. That strategy culminated in March with announcement of the Bourdon crude discovery, where the exploration well was drilled to a total depth of more than 4,000 metres.
Earlier this year, BW Energy reported average daily oil production from its Gabon assets rose to about 24,400 barrels a day in 2025 from 20,400 barrels a day in 2024. Most of the output came from the Dussafu offshore permit, where the company holds a 73.5% stake alongside Panoro Energy with 17.5% and state‑owned Gabon Oil Company with the remainder. BW is a Norwegian independent with assets and Namibia and Brazil, while Panoro is headquartered in London.
The final investment decision on Bourdon comes as Gabon’s national crude output shows modest gains. OPEC data indicate production rose to 212,000 barrels per day in April 2026, up from 210,000 barrels in March. While volumes remain relatively small compared with African producers like Nigeria and Angola, the incremental increase shows the importance of new developments like Bourdon in sustaining Gabon’s offshore output.
The BW Energy Bourdon project is expected to support Gabon’s production profile and extend the life of existing infrastructure. It also points to how mature offshore basins like Dussafu can be developed when projects use existing assets and offer shorter payback time.
BW Energy said it values its “strong cooperation and long‑term partnership with Gabon” and is proceeding with partners Panoro Energy and Gabon Oil Company.
