Vaalco Energy has restarted production at the Baobab field on the CI-40 block offshore Côte d’Ivoire after completing refurbishment work on the Baobab Ivoirien FPSO. This restart should be seen as an early-stage production ramp-up rather than a full return to steady output, since offshore tie-ins and well optimization typically continue after the first restart.
The FPSO completed a nine-month refurbishment in Dubai before sailing back to Côte d’Ivoire in early Q2 2026. The team moored it on location and reconnected it to existing field infrastructure. Production now flows from four wells, while the remaining three producing wells are expected to come back online soon, with field performance currently tracking Vaalco’s expectations.
The refurbishment aimed to extend the vessel’s lifespan and support longer-term operations ahead of a major development drilling campaign planned for the second half of 2026. The Phase 5 drilling program will target four new producers, two to three injectors, and two workovers, which could increase output from Baobab. CEO George Maxwell said the field has restarted on schedule, noted the extended license to 2038, and pointed to future development and exploration upside as the company builds its position in Côte d’Ivoire and progresses its broader 2026 drilling activity.
source: https://oilreviewafrica.com/
African Energy Council