ExxonMobil's Usan Infill Project Kicks Off with Arrival of State-of-the-Art Drillship

ExxonMobil's Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited has announced that oil drilling activities will soon commence at the Usan Infill Project, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 138.

The company has confirmed the arrival of the Noble Gerry de Souza oil rig in Nigerian waters, marking a major milestone in the project's execution. The ultra-deepwater drillship is expected to unlock additional value from the Usan Field through a drilling campaign designed to maximize recovery from existing infrastructure.

The Usan Infill Project has been supported by a cumulative investment of US$1 billion by the OML 138 partners, demonstrating Esso's confidence in Nigeria's improving investment environment. According to Jagir Baxi, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, the project is expected to deliver up to 40,000 barrels per day of incremental oil production within 18 months.

Esso has emphasized its commitment to delivering the project safely and responsibly, in close partnership with government stakeholders, regulators, contractors, and coventurers. The arrival of the Noble Gerry de Souza represents the start of a new phase of investment, innovation, and growth for the Usan Field, further demonstrating Esso's commitment to supporting Nigeria's energy future.