ExxonMobil unit extends FPSO contract for Zafiro field off Equatorial Guinea

ExxonMobil Corp. subsidiary Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc. has let a 5-year contract to GEPsing to continue operation and maintenance of the Serpentina floating production, storage, and offloading vessel on Zafiro field offshore Equatorial Guinea.

GEPsing is a joint venture of SBM Offshore and GEPetrol, the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea. The FPSO, which has operated at Zafiro field since July 2003, has an oil throughput capacity of 110,000 b/d. Mobil Equatorial Guinea owns the vessel.

Zafiro field is on the 547,000 acre Block B in the Gulf of Guinea in about 500 m of water. Mobil Equatorial Guinea operates Zafiro field and Jade platform with a 71% working interest. Other partners include Ocean Energy, 23.75%, and the government of Equatorial Guinea.

Block B operator Mobil Oil Equatorial Guinea and UMC Equatorial Guinea Corp. late in 1995 unveiled a phased development plan for Zafiro field.