ExxonMobil’s Ultra Deepwater Drillship Arrives Niger Delta as $1bn Usan Infill Project Begins

ExxonMobil's state-of-the-art ultra-deepwater drillship, Noble Gerry de Souza, has arrived in the Niger Delta, marking the start of a $1 billion Usan Infill Project. The development comes as hopes rise for 40,000 barrels of additional oil production within 18 months, bolstering Nigeria's energy security and economic growth. Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, the operator of the Usan field located in Oil Mining Lease 138, announced the arrival of the drillship in Nigerian waters, signifying an important milestone in the project's execution.

The arrival of the ultra-deepwater vessel signals the commencement of drilling activities aimed at maximizing recovery from the Usan Field's existing infrastructure while strengthening its long-term performance. Esso's Chairman and Managing Director, Jagir Baxi, expressed confidence in Nigeria's improving investment climate and highlighted the company's commitment to short-cycle deepwater production growth through disciplined investment, technological innovation, and operational excellence.

The Usan Infill Project, supported by cumulative investments from OML 138 partners, is designed to enhance production from the existing Usan Field through additional drilling and subsea development, ultimately contributing significantly to Nigeria's energy sector.