• BW Energy’s Angola offshore entry faces partner preemption notice
• Partner may exercise right of first refusal on Blocks 14, 14K
• Deal with Azule Energy remains pending regulatory, contractual outcomes

BW Energy’s planned entry into Angola’s offshore oil sector has hit a legal obstacle. The Norwegian company said on Friday, Feb. 6, that an existing partner in offshore Blocks 14 and 14K has notified its intention to exercise a right of first refusal over the transaction, which BW is pursuing alongside France’s Maurel & Prom.

BW did not identify the partner. It said the exercise of the preemption right would allow that partner to step into the buyers’ place on the same contractual terms. BW added that the divestment agreement signed with the seller, Azule Energy, remains in effect for now, pending any new contract between Azule Energy and the party exercising the right. No further details were provided on the procedure.

The development comes as part of BW Energy’s efforts to establish a foothold in Angola. In December 2025, the company said it had signed an agreement with Azule Energy, alongside Maurel & Prom, to acquire interests in the two producing blocks. Under the deal, BW Energy was to acquire 10% of Block 14 and 5% of Block 14K, with Maurel & Prom taking equivalent stakes.

The blocks are operated by U.S. oil major Chevron off the coast of Angola and rank among the country’s key oil assets.

The transaction is part of BW Energy’s broader expansion strategy in Africa. After strengthening its position in Namibia, the company has presented Angola as a new pillar of its regional growth, targeting producing offshore assets capable of generating immediate cash flow. Any transfer of interests in the blocks remains subject to regulatory approval and potential preemption by existing partners.

Abdel-Latif Boureima