The execution of the Usan Infill Project yesterday received a boost with the arrival of the Noble Gerry de Souza in Nigerian waters. The arrival of this state-of-the-art ultra-deepwater drillship signals the commencement of a drilling campaign designed to unlock additional value from the Usan Field. The project, a short cycle investment, is expected to deliver up to 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) of incremental oil production within 18 months, contributing quickly to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.
The Usan Field, operated by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, is located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 138. The Usan Infill Project is supported by a cumulative $1 billion investment by the OML 138 partners, which the promoters maintained underscores Esso’s confidence in Nigeria’s improving investment environment and the company’s commitment to investing in the country’s deepwater energy sector.
Besides, the project is designed to enhance production from the existing Usan Field through additional drilling and subsea development while leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate value delivery and improve project.
‘The arrival of the Noble Gerry de Souza marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Usan Field and reflects our continued focus on delivering short cycle deepwater production growth through disciplined investment, in deploying technologies and through operational excellence,’ the Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, Jagir Baxi, said.
He noted that the advanced capabilities of the Noble Gerry de Souza will support the safe and efficient delivery of the drilling programme, helping to maximise recovery from existing infrastructure while strengthening the long-term performance of the Usan asset.
According to him, this is the result of years of planning, collaboration, and dedication by multidisciplinary teams across Esso and partner organisations in Nigeria, whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental in transitioning the project from concept to operational readiness.
As offshore activities commence, Esso said it remains focused on delivering the project safely and responsibly, in close partnership with government stakeholders, regulators, contractors, and coventurers.
‘The arrival of the Noble Gerry de Souza represents the start of a new phase of investment, innovation, and growth for the Usan Field and further demonstrates Esso’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy future,’ Baxi said.