Cobalt International Energy 10-K 2012 FY Annual report

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Cobalt International Energy, Inc. (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), John P. Wilkirson, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge:

          (i)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         (ii)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: February 26, 2013

/s/ JOHN P. WILKIRSON
John P. Wilkirson
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Cobalt International Energy, Inc. and will be retained by Cobalt International Energy, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002