Total has announced that it has brought the Moho Phase 1b project, situated 75 kilometers off the coast of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo, into operation.

According to the company, Moho Phase 1b, is in WD of 750 to 1,200 meters and has a production capacity of 40,000 boe/d. It consists of the drilling of 11 new subsea wells and the installation of the two most powerful subsea multiphase pumps in the world. The project is tied back to the current Floating Production Unit (FPU) Alima of the Moho Bilondo field, which has been producing since 2008.

Total added that the adjacent Moho Nord development, inaugurated alongside the Moho Phase 1b in 2013, is ongoing. It is to add an extra capacity of 100,000 boe/d.

“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. It follows the start-up of Dalia Phase 1A on Angola’s Block 17 in July this year and more recently, the Lianzi field which straddles the deep offshore of Congo and Angola”, Arnaud Breuillac (photo), President Exploration & Production told Offshore Energy Today.

Total E&P operates the Moho Phase 1b and Moho Nord which are part of the Moho Bilondo license in Congo with a 53.5% participating interest, alongside Chevron Overseas (Congo) Limited and the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo with 31.5% and 15.0% respectively.