Esso Exploration & Production Nigeria Ltd., a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corp., has started oil production ahead of schedule at the Erha North Phase 2 project 60 miles offshore Nigeria (OGJ Online, June 23, 2015).
The deepwater subsea development lies in 3,300 ft of water and 4 miles north of Erha field, which has been producing since 2006 (OGJ Online, May 2, 2006). The project includes seven wells from three drill centers tied back to the existing Erha North floating production, storage, and offloading vessel, reducing additional infrastructure requirements.
Phase 2 is estimated to develop an additional 165 million bbl from the currently producing Erha North field. Peak production from the expansion is estimated at 65,000 bo/d, increasing total field production to 90,000 b/d.
ExxonMobil expects to increase its global production volumes this year by 2% to 4.1 million boe/d, driven by 7% liquids growth. The increase is supported by the ramp up of projects completed in 2014 and the expected startup of major developments this year.
Esso E&P Nigeria operates Erha North Phase 2 with 56.25% interest. Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Co. holds 43.75%.
