BW Energy secures $208M financing for Bourdon wellhead platform offshore Gabon

BW Energy has secured a $208-million lease financing agreement for the Bourdon wellhead platform offshore Gabon and extended its revolving credit facility, supporting development of the recently discovered field ahead of expected first oil in early 2028.
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Oct. 15, 2026
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Why this news matters:

  • The financing arrangement covers the full capital cost of the Bourdon wellhead platform, reducing upfront funding requirements for the project. 

  • The development moved from discovery to FID in roughly 14 months, highlighting the rapid progression of the Bourdon project. 

  • The platform is expected to support future development phases in the Dussafu area and contribute to BW Energy's planned production growth.

 

Courtesy BW Energy's "Company presentation, September 2026"
Bourdon project offshore Gabon

The Bourdon discovery was announced in 2024, followed by FID in May 2026. BW Energy is targeting first oil in early 2028.


 


 

Bourdon field at a glance

  • Location: Dussafu license offshore Gabon

  • Operator: BW Energy

  • Development concept: 12-slot wellhead platform converted from the Akoum rig

  • Financing: $208 million lease arrangement

  • Lease term: 12 years (eight-year firm period)

  • Target first oil: Q1 2028

BW Energy has taken on a $208 million lease financing arrangement for the wellhead platform that will be installed on the Bourdon Field on the Dussafu license offshore Gabon.

The company also signed an 18-month extension to its $250 million corporate revolving credit facility (RCF).

BW Energy took FID on Bourdon in May, 14 months after the discovery.

CEO Thomas Young said, “Extending the RCF adds further flexibility as we grow toward more than 100,000 barrels per day.”

The Akoum rig is being converted into a 12-slot wellhead platform, with capacity for future development phases in the area. First oil from Bourdon is targeted for first-quarter 2028.

The new 12-year lease, which includes a firm term of eight years, is with Minsheng Financial Leasing Co. It covers the full capex for the platform.

Bourdon is liable for 73.5% of the lease costs with the remainder borne by the other Dussafu license partners.

About the Author

Jeremy Beckman
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Jeremy Beckman

Staff Writer / Editor, Europe

Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.

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