ExxonMobil starts oil production in Nigeria ahead of schedule

Exxon Mobil Corporation announced today that its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, started oil production ahead of schedule at the Erha North Phase 2 project offshore Nigeria.

The Erha North Phase 2 project is a deepwater subsea development located 60 miles offshore Nigeria in 3,300 feet of water and four miles north of the Erha field, which has been producing since 2006. The Erha North Phase 2 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.

The project is estimated to develop an additional 165 million barrels from the currently producing Erha North field. Peak production from the expansion is currently estimated at 65,000 barrels of oil per day and will increase total Erha North field production to approximately 90,000 barrels per day.

ExxonMobil expects to increase its global production volumes this year by 2% to 4.1 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, driven by 7% liquids growth. The volume increase is supported by the ramp up of projects completed in 2014 and the expected startup of major developments in 2015.

The Erha North field was discovered in 2004 and initial production commenced in 2006. Operator Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited holds a 56.25% interest in Erha North Phase 2, while Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company holds the remaining 43.75% share.