ExxonMobil Corp. subsidiary, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Ltd., has started production of the $3.4 billion Kizomba A project, the largest deepwater development offshore West Africa. Estimated recoverable resources from the project total 1 Bbbl, with an expected production rate of 250,000 b/d.
"Kizomba A employs the world's largest FPSO, and the start-up of this project is an important milestone in Angola," says Harry J. Longwell, director and executive vice president, ExxonMobil Corp.
Kizomba A is the first of three world-class production developments on block 15 that are intended to collectively develop over 2.5 Bbbl of oil at a total investment of $10 billion. Located 230 mi northwest of Luanda, Kizomba A will develop the Hungo and Chocalho discoveries in water depths of 3,300-4,200 ft. It includes a surface wellhead platform and subsea wells tied back to the FPSO. The FPSO has a storage capacity of 2.2 MMbbl.
In February 2003, Esso and Sonangol announced the beginning of construction of the Kizomba B project, which will develop the Kissanje and Dikanza discoveries. Kizomba A and B incorporate a unique "design one build two" approach that captures substantial synergies. First oil from Kizomba B is scheduled for 2006. Planning and design are also underway for the Kizomba C project.
In November 2003, ExxonMobil announced first oil production on block 15 from the Xikomba project, which uses an Early Production System (EPS) to produce 90,000 b/d. Xikomba is one of three identical EPS systems now deployed by ExxonMobil affiliates in West Africa.
Esso operates block 15 with 40%. Other participants in block 15 are BP Exploration (Angola) Ltd. 26.67%, ENI Angola Exploration BV 20%, and Statoil Angola 13.33%.
08/11/04
