Located approximately 350km northwest of Luanda and 130km west of Soyo, the field is currently producing 45,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and is expected to reach a daily production of up to 100,000 bopd in the coming months through the N’Goma FPSO.
Meanwhile, the East Hub development start-up is planned in 2017 and is expected to raise overall production from Block 15/06 to 200,000 bpd.
Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi said: "The start-up of the West Hub in Angola is a milestone in Eni’s upstream activities.
"The start up of the West Hub is also significant in terms of Eni’s presence in Angola, where are again Operator of a major producing project."
After having won the international bid round in 2006, in Block 15/06 Eni drilled 24 exploration and appraisal wells and discovered over 3 billion barrels of oil in place and 850 million barrels of reserves.
The Block 15/06 is operated by Eni with a 35% stake and Sonangol EP is the Concessionaire.
The other joint venture partners include Sonangol Pesquisa e Produção (35%), SSI Fifteen (25%) and Falcon Oil Holding Angola (5%).
Eni will now continue exploration program in Block 15/06.
Image: Eni starts oil production at West Hub development project, offshore Angola. Photo: Eni Spa.
