Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Aug. 13 -- ExxonMobil Corp. has begun oil production from Saxi and Batuque fields, which are part of the Kizomba C development project on Block 15 off Angola.
Production from the two fields, along with Mondo, which started production in January, is expected to reach 200,000 b/d later this year. Output from Block 15 will be 700,000 b/d when Saxi and Batuque fields reach peak production, ExxonMobil said.
Oil is produced via two floating production, storage, and offloading vessels and 36 subsea wells. It is the largest subsea development operated by ExxonMobil worldwide.
The twin Kizomba C FPSOs are the fourth and fifth production centres on Block 15, following Kizomba (2003), Kizomba A (2004), and Kizomba B (2005).
It is estimated that Kizomba C will produce 600 million bbl of oil over its lifespan.
StatoilHydro, a partner in the development, described Angola as a key building block for its international production growth. So far its nine producing fields contribute more than 200,000 b/d of equity production. It holds a 13.33% stake in Block 15.
Block 15 is operated by ExxonMobil, holding a 40% stake. Angola's state-owned Sonangol is concessionaire.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
