Exxon Mobil subsidiary Esso Exploration Angola has commenced production from the Kizomba Satellites Phase I project located in Block 15, offshore Angola.
The company has invested a total of $1.5bn in the Kizomba Satellites development.
The initial phase of the project is expected to produce 100,000 barrels of oil each day and recover approximately 250 million barrels from the Mavacola and Clochas fields, located in water depths of approximately 4,500ft.
Neil Duffin, ExxonMobil Development Company president, said the project combines the company’s project management expertise with local suppliers and businesses to maximise the value of Angola’s significant petroleum resources.
"The Kizomba Satellites project was completed ahead of schedule and with industry-leading safety performance, as was the case with previous Block 15 developments," said Duffin.
In phase I of the project, the company will develop 18 wells with subsea tiebacks to the existing Kizomba A and B floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.
It will also optimise the capabilities of on-block facilities in a bid to increase current production levels.
Stéphane de Mahieu, Esso Angola managing director, said: "Nearly 100% of the topsides and subsea equipment were fabricated in Angola, and we have provided more than 10,000 hours of skill-based training to Angolan contractor personnel for the project."
Esso Angola is the operator of the block with a 40% interest, while other co-venturers include BP Exploration (Angola) with a 26.67% stake; Eni Exploration Angola, which has a 20% interest and Statoil Angola, which has a 13.33% stake.