French oil major Total has started oil production from Kaombo Sul, the second FPSO for the project offshore Angola, adding 115,000 barrels of oil per day (bbl/d) to the development.

The startup came eight months after Kaombo Norte went onstream. Together, the two FPSOs have a production capacity of 230,000 bbl/d, equivalent to 15% of Angola’s production, Total said in a news release April 2.

“This second FPSO stands out as an excellent example of standardization to reduce costs and improve efficiency,” Arnaud Breuillac, president of E&P for Total, said in the release. “Its startup will contribute to the group’s cash flow and production growth in 2019 and beyond.”

The development, located on Block 32 in water depths ranging from 1,400 m to 2,000 m, consists of the Gengibre, Gindungo and Caril fields, which are connected to Kaombo Norte, and the Mostarda, Canela and Louro fields, which are connected to Kaombo Sul. In addition to the FPSOs, which were converted from very large crude carrirs, the project’s subsea system includes 59 wells. More than 60% of the wells have been drilled, Total said.

Holding a 30% participating interest, Total is the operator of Block 32. Partners are 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%).

Offshore