Block 15, an Angolan offshore, operated by ExxonMobil (Esso Angola), located approximately 370 kilometers northwest of Luanda, completed 29 years since the beginning of its exploration on August 23, 1994, and currently employs around 1,000 workers .
According to PetroAngola’s website, Block 15, once Angola’s largest oil producer, recently achieved a daily production peak exceeding 600 KBPD, thanks to its four FPSOs: Kizomba A, Kizomba B, Mondo, and Saxi-Batuque.
Construction of the initial FPSO, Kizomba A, commenced in 2001, boasting a processing capacity of 250 KBPD and an estimated investment of US$3.2 billion, covering its development.
Subsequently, in 2003, FPSO Kizomba B, also with a 250 KBPD production capacity, was constructed at an estimated cost of 3.2 billion euros.
The FPSOs Mondo and Saxi-Batuque were subsequently added, as part of the Kizomba C project, contributing a combined production of 200 KBPD.
Over the course of the Kizomba C project, approximately US$1.5 billion was invested in local goods and services, encompassing in-country manufacturing contracts, logistical support, training, and Angolan workforce development.
This endeavor fostered significant local participation, as domestic companies collaborated with Esso Angola to enhance their capabilities and meet the project’s requirements.
Block 15 has yielded a total of 18 discoveries to date, with milestones such as Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba, and Dikanza in 1998; Chocalho and Xikomba in 1999; Mondo, Saxi, and Batuque in 2000; Mbulumbumba, Vicango, and Mavacola in 2001; Reco Reco in 2002; and Clochas, Kakocha, Tchihumba, and Bavuca in 2003.
In November 2022, the 18th discovery, Bazuca Sul, was made, heralding a new phase of development in Block 15, with expectations of adding up to 40 KPD to the existing production.
In June 2019, an extension to the exploration contract for the Block was granted, extending it until 2032. This extension includes a multi-year drilling program and the implementation of new infrastructure technologies, aimed at enhancing the capacity of the existing subsea flow lines.
Block 15 is operated by Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil, with a 36 percent stake.
Other stakeholders include BP Exploration (Angola) Limited (24 percent), ENI Angola Exploration BV (18 percent), Equinor Angola Block 15 AS (12 percent), and Sonangol P&P (10 percent).
