Total E&P Congo and its partners have commenced production from the Moho Bilondo Phase 1b deepwater development project offshore Congo.
The Moho Bilondo Phase 1b, which is part of the Moho Nord subsea project, is located approximately 75 km off the coast of Pointe-Noire in water depths ranging from 2,400 to 4,000ft.
Considered as the largest oil and gas project in the country, the $10bn Moho Nord project involves a tension-leg platform, a floating production unit with a processing capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil per day, and an 80km pipeline to the onshore Djeno Terminal.
The Moho Phase 1b involves drilling of 11 new subsea wells, which will be tied back to exiting to floating production unit, and installation of the two subsea multiphase pumps.
The Phase 1b development is expected to have production capacity of 40,000 barrels of oil per day from the southern portion of the Moho Bilondo permit area.
Total E&P Congo operates the Moho Bilondo license with a 53.5% interest. Total E&P Congo is 85% owned by Total while the remaining stake is held by a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum.
Other license partners include Chevron Overseas with 31.5% stake and the national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo with the remaining 15% interest.
Chevron Africa and Latin America exploration and production company president Ali Moshiri said: "The project integrates the unique skills and expertise of multiple partners to deliver challenging projects and new energy production."
The Moho Nord project comprises two developments including Moho-Bilondo Phase 1b and the Moho Nord development, which is expected to commence production in 2016.
Total Exploration & Production president Arnaud Breuillac said: "Moho Phase 1b is our ninth start-up since the beginning of the year and will contribute to our strong production growth in the years to come.
"The start-up of this project, in line with the original schedule, constitutes a further success for Total’s growth strategy in deep offshore, particularly in West Africa."
Image: The Moho Nord project is considered as the largest oil and gas project in the Congo. Photo: courtesy of Vinci.