VAALCO Energy, Inc. Spuds First Well in Phase Three Drilling Program Offshore Gabon

HOUSTON, Dec. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE: EGY, LSE: EGY) (“Vaalco” or the “Company”) today announced that it has commenced its Phase Three Drilling Program offshore Gabon with the spudding of the ET-15 infill well on the Etame platform.

George Maxwell, Vaalco’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are excited to commence our drilling campaign in offshore Gabon and are beginning the near-term series of value creation catalysts that we outlined to the market in our Capital Markets Day presentation this past May. The drilling rig arrived in late November, and we have spud our first well, the ET-15. We are initiating the program at the Etame platform with this infill well and the pilot holes. After drilling at the Etame platform, we expect to move the rig to the SEENT and Ebouri platforms where we have several wells and workovers planned to enhance production, lower costs and potentially add reserves. As we enter 2026, with major projects underway in both Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire, we are looking to drive meaningful growth that we believe will translate into value for our shareholders for the remainder of the decade.”

As previously announced, the Company secured a drilling rig in December 2024 in conjunction with its Phase Three Drilling Program, with an affiliate of Borr Drilling.

About Vaalco

Vaalco, founded in 1985 and incorporated under the laws of Delaware, is a Houston, Texas, USA based, independent energy company with a diverse portfolio of production, development and exploration assets across Gabon, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Canada.

For Further Information

Vaalco Energy, Inc. (General and Investor Enquiries)	+00 1 713 543 3422
Website:	www.vaalco.com
Al Petrie Advisors (US Investor Relations)	+00 1 713 543 3422
Al Petrie / Chris Delange
Burson Buchanan (UK Financial PR)	[phone]
Ben Romney / Barry Archer	[e-mail]