By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 24 -- Belize oil field on deepwater Block 14 off Angola has gone on stream, reported Cabinda Gulf Oil Co. Ltd., the operator and a subsidiary of Chevron Corp.
The Benguela, Belize, Lobito, and Tomboco fields form the BBLT development, one of Chevron's biggest projects.
Block 14 lies in the Lower Congo basin in 1,280 ft of water covering 1,560 sq miles. The block is the deepwater extension of the Chevron-operated Cabinda concession, which contains seven commercial discoveries (OGJ, July 25, 2005, p. 43).
BBLT is being developed in two phases. Phase 1, called Benguela Belize, combines an integrated drilling and production platform hub facility supported by a compliant piled tower. Use of the tower marks the first time this technology has been used outside the Gulf of Mexico, Chevron said.
Phase 2, called Lobito Tomboco, will produce via subsea wells tied into the central production hub.
The Block 14 contractor group includes Cabinda with 31%, Agip Angola Exploration BV 20%, Sonangol Pesquisa & Producao SARL 20%, Total Exploration & Production Angola 20%, and Portugal's Petrogal Exploration (Galp-Exploracao e Producao Petrolifera) LDA 9%.