Production begins from Moho Phase 1b offshore Congo (Brazzaville)

Total SA has started production from Moho Phase 1b, 75 km offshore Pointe-Noire, Congo (Brazzaville). The project, which lies in 750-1,200 m of water, is operated by Total and has a production capacity of 40,000 boe/d.

Moho Phase 1b involves the drilling of 11 subsea wells and the installation of the two most powerful subsea multiphase pumps in the world, Total says. It is tied back to the existing floating production unit (FPU) in Moho Bilondo field, producing since 2008.

Moho Phase 1b targets reserves in the southern portion of the Moho Bilondo permit area. In the northern portion, the Moho Nord development, launched concurrently with Moho Phase 1b in 2013, is ongoing and will add a further 100,000 boe/d of capacity (OGJ Online, Mar. 22, 2013).

Moho Phase 1b and Moho Nord are part of the Moho Bilondo license operated by Total E&P Congo with 53.5% participating interest. Partners are Chevron Overseas (Congo) Ltd. 31.5% and the Societe Nationale des Petroles du Congo 15%.

“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,” noted Arnaud Breuillac, Total president, exploration and production. “It follows the start-up of Dalia Phase 1A on Angola’s Block 17 in July this year (OGJ Online, July 21, 2015), and more recently, the Lianzi field, which straddles the deep offshore of Congo and Angola (OGJ Online, Nov. 2, 2015).”

Total has maintained a presence in the Republic of the Congo for almost 50 years. Subsidiary Total E&P Congo operates 10 of the country’s 23 producing fields, accounting for nearly 50% of national output, the company says. Total’s equity production averaged 95,000 boe/d in 2014.

Total E&P Congo is owned by Total with 85% interest and a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum with 15%.