Woodside, Petrosen discuss Sangomar expansion offshore Senegal

(WO) — Woodside Energy and Senegal's national oil company Petrosen are discussing a potential second phase of development at the offshore Sangomar field that could unlock an additional 250 MMbbl of recoverable oil, according to comments highlighted this week by the African Energy Chamber (AEC). 

The expansion discussions come two years after Sangomar delivered first oil in June 2024, marking Senegal's entry into offshore oil production.

Operated by Woodside with an 82% interest, alongside Petrosen's 18% stake, the $5.2-billion first phase was developed with 23 wells tied back to the Léopold Sédar Senghor FPSO. The project reached its nameplate production capacity of 100,000 bopd within nine weeks of startup.

According to Woodside, Sangomar had produced more than 50 MMbbl of oil by the end of 2025, representing approximately 8% of the field's estimated recoverable resources.

The field has become a cornerstone of Senegal's emerging petroleum sector, supplying crude to the domestic refining market while also supporting exports to Europe and Asia.

A second development phase could significantly expand resource recovery from the field and further strengthen Senegal's position as one of West Africa's fastest-growing offshore producers.

The success of Sangomar, together with the bp-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project on the Mauritania-Senegal maritime border, has helped elevate the MSGBC Basin as a major exploration and development hotspot.

Woodside is also pursuing additional growth opportunities in Africa. Earlier this year, the company signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate exploration opportunities in offshore Angola's Blocks 25, 26 and 43 as part of its broader regional expansion strategy.

"Woodside's delivery of Sangomar has done more than open Senegal's oil industry; it has shown that the MSGBC basin can compete for global capital," said AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk.