Likouala Marine

Likouala Marine Oil and Gas Field Profile

Location

The Likouala Marine Oil and Gas Field is located offshore in the Republic of the Congo. The exact coordinates are approximately -5.2162, 11.7078 (WGS 84).

Project Details

• Status: Operating
• Operator: Congorep
• Owners: The field is owned by Eni S.P.A. (35.0%), Perenco (33.15%), and the National Petroleum Company of the Congo (SNPC) (31.85%).

Discovery and Production

• Discovery Year: The exact discovery year is not specified.
• FID (Final Investment Decision) Year: Not specified.
• Production Start Year: Production began in 1980.

Production and Reserves

• Current Production: The field produces approximately 10.95 million barrels of oil equivalent per year (million boe/y) as of 2017.
• Peak Production: The peak production was achieved in 2014, with approximately 26.83 thousand barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and condensate.
• Reserves: As of 2021, the remaining recoverable reserves are estimated at 133.59 million barrels of crude oil and condensate.

Field Performance

• The Likouala conventional oil field has recovered 64.94% of its total recoverable reserves as of the last available data. Production is expected to continue until the field reaches its economic limit in 2053.

Economic and National Impact

• The field currently accounts for approximately 6% of the Republic of the Congo’s daily oil output.
• The oil sector, including this field, is crucial for the country's economy, with petroleum extraction being the mainstay of the economy, accounting for a significant portion of GDP, government revenue, and exports.

Environmental and Social Considerations

While the Likouala Marine Oil and Gas Field itself does not have detailed environmental impact assessments mentioned in the sources, the broader context of oil exploration and production in the Republic of the Congo raises environmental concerns. For instance, other oil projects in the region have been criticized for inadequate environmental assessments and potential harm to sensitive ecosystems.

Development and Future Plans

• Eni and Congorep are currently seeking to divest their equity in the Likouala Block, which includes the Likouala Marine and Likouala East Marine fields. This indicates potential changes in ownership and management in the future.
• Eni is also focused on increasing gas production in the Republic of the Congo, including projects like the Congo LNG project and the Marine XII project, which are part of their broader strategy to develop the country's gas resources.

Additional Activities by Operators

• Eni, one of the operators, is involved in various activities in the Republic of the Congo beyond oil and gas production, including agribusiness projects, distribution of improved stoves, access to drinking water, health services, and education initiatives. These activities are part of Eni’s decarbonization strategy and commitment to local community development.