Akrake Petroleum Benin begins production on Sèmè field

After years of inactivity, Sèmè field in Benin is back online with oil flowing into the Kristina FSO. Akrake Petroleum, the operator, is working through commissioning and testing.

March 5, 2026

Akrake Petroleum Benin SA began flowing oil to the Kristina floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit on Sèmè field in Benin, West Africa.

Over the previous week, FSO Kristina was anchored in place, and this week a flowline has been laid from the Stella Energy 1 mobile offshore production unit (MOPU) to the FSO. Commissioning of the production system is under way, with oil now flowing into the FSO.

Over the next several days, further testing and commissioning will take place, with the aim to optimize production rates and begin regular production.

Sèmè field was discovered in 1969 and covers 551 sq km in 20-30 m of water. Production was halted in 1998 due to low oil prices. The field was redeveloped with the jackup MOPU and FSO.

Akrake Petroleum Benin is operator of Sèmè field with 76% interest. The Benin government holds 15% and Octogone Trading holds 9%.

Akrake Petroleum Benin is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Lime Petroleum Holding AS, which in turn is an indirect subsidiary (89.74%) of Rex International Holding Ltd.