A group led by a Total SA subsidiary has approved investment in the Moho Nord oil development offshore Congo (Brazzaville), expecting production to begin in 2015 and reach 140,000 boe/d in 2017.
The development, expected to cost $10 billion, will expand from the Moho-Bilondo license, which came on production in 2008 (OGJ Online, Jan. 15, 2011).
A part of the project called Moho Nord will target new reserves in the northern part of the license, while a part called Phase 1bis will add reserves in the southern part. Total estimates reserves to be added at 485 million boe.
In Phase 1bis, the group will drill 11 subsea wells completed in Miocene-age strata, to be tied back to a floating production unit (FPU) now on Moho-Bilondo. Processing capacity of the unit will be increased by 40,000 boe/d.
Moho Nord will involve drilling of 17 subsea wells with Miocene targets and tied back to a new FPU and a further 17 subsea wells targeting Albian pay to be developed from a new tension-leg platform. New production will be processed on the FPU, which will have a capacity of 100,000 boe/d, and be carried by pipeline to the onshore Djeno Terminal.
The project area is 75 km from Pointe-Noire and 25 km west of N’Kossa. Water depths are 450-1,200 m.
Total E&P Congo operates the Moho-Bilondo license with a 53.5% interest. Other interests are Chevron Overseas Congo 31.5% and Ste. Nat. des Petroles du Congo 15%.
