Total SA has started up production of the Kaombo oil development offshore Angola. Operated by Total E&P Angola, the project lies on Block 32 in 1,400-2,000 m of water about 260 km offshore Luanda.
Kaombo Norte, the first floating production, storage, and offloading unit, has been brought on stream and will produce 115,000 b/d. The second FPSO, Kaombo Sul, is expected to start up next year. Overall production is expected to reach 230,000 b/d at peak. Associated gas will be exported to the Angola LNG plant.
A total of 59 wells will be connected to the two FPSOs. Together, they will develop the resources of six fields—Gengibre, Gindungo, Caril, Canela, Mostarda, and Louro—over an area of 800 sq km in the central and southern part of the block.
“The Kaombo start up is a great milestone for Total. Developing the estimated 650 million bbl of reserves will contribute to the group’s growing production and cashflow in Africa,” said Arnaud Breuillac, president exploration and production.
According to Total, the project will account for 15% of the country’s oil production. The company is committed to help develop the oil and gas industry in the country, Breuillac said, and plans to relaunch exploration “in areas such as Block 48.”
Total operates Block 32 with a 30% participating interest, along with Sonangol P&P 30%, Sonangol Sinopec International 32 Ltd. 20%, Esso Exploration & Production Angola (Overseas) Ltd. 15%, and Galp Energia Overseas Block 32 BV 5%.
