bp has confirmed an oil discovery at the Algaita-01 exploration well offshore Angola, as reported by Azule Energy. The well was drilled in Block 15/06, operated by Azule Energy, a 50:50 joint venture between bp and Eni. Algaita-01 represents the fourth significant hydrocarbon discovery announced by Azule Energy since the start of 2025. Earlier successes include the Gajajeira01 gas discovery in Angola and the Volans-1X and Capricornus-1X wells in Namibia’s Orange Basin, underscoring a strong period of exploration performance across the region.
Gordon Birrell, bp’s Executive Vice President for Production & Operations, said the discovery builds on a year of notable exploration achievements and reflects continued progress in expanding the company’s upstream portfolio. He noted that, together with recent finds in Angola and Namibia, Algaita-01 strengthens the pipeline of potential development opportunities and reinforces bp’s focus on growing its upstream business.
The Algaita-01 well was drilled using the Saipem 12000 drillship in water depths of approximately 667 metres. The well encountered oil-bearing sandstones across multiple Upper Miocene intervals, with reservoir characteristics indicating high-quality petrophysical properties.
An extensive data acquisition programme, including fluid sampling, confirmed reservoir quality and fluid composition. The discovery’s proximity to existing infrastructure enhances its commercial potential. Algaita-01 is located around 18 kilometres from the Olombendo FPSO, which could support future development options and improve project economics.
Azule Energy holds a 36.84% working interest in Block 15/06 and serves as operator. Its co-venturers are SSI with 26.32% and Sonangol E&P with 36.84%. The well was spudded on 10 January 2026 and is part of a broader exploration strategy aimed at unlocking additional resources in established offshore basins.
In 2025, bp announced 12 discoveries across multiple basins worldwide, including the Far South discovery in the Gulf of America and the 1-BP-13-SPS well at the Bumerangue block in Brazil’s Santos Basin, where bp holds a 100% interest. The Algaita-01 result further strengthens bp’s position in offshore exploration and highlights continued momentum in Angola and the wider region.
BP, formerly known as British Petroleum, is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with operations spanning oil and gas exploration, production, refining, trading and marketing. Headquartered in London, BP operates in numerous countries and plays a significant role in meeting global energy demand.
In recent years, the company has expanded its focus beyond traditional hydrocarbons, increasing investments in renewable energy, biofuels, electric vehicle charging and low-carbon technologies as part of its transition strategy. Through a combination of conventional energy assets and growing interests in cleaner energy solutions, BP aims to balance energy security, affordability and sustainability while navigating the evolving global energy landscape.
