Côte d’Ivoire: ExxonMobil signs for deep water

ExxonMobil has signed production-sharing contracts (PSCs) for new ultra-deep blocks CI-602 and CI-603. The two blocks, in water depths of 3,000 to 4,000 metres, cover areas of 3,874km² and 5,543km² respectively. Six new ultra-deep blocks immediately south of the country’s existing acreage were unveiled at a roadshow in Houston on 14 October.Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abidjan on 16 December, oil minister Adama Toungara said Côte d’Ivoire had signed 22 new PSCs in the three years since Alassane Ouattara became president, and more than 20 development and exploration wells had been drilled.