Total SA kicked off production of Kaombo, a deep offshore development located on Block 32, about 260 kilometers off the coast of Luanda, Angola, according to a July 27 release.

The project consists of two floating production storage and off-loading, or FPSO, units with the first, Kaombo Norte, brought on stream and is expected to produce 115,000 barrels of oil per day. The second unit, Kaombo Sul is projected to start up next year. A total of 59 wells will be connected to the two FPSOs and will have an estimated peak production of 230,000 bbl/d with associated gas exported to the Angola LNG plant. The resources of six different fields in the central and southern part of the block will be developed.

Arnaud Breuillac, Total's president of exploration and production, said that developing the estimated 650 million barrels of reserves will contribute to the company's growing production and cashflow in Africa and that the firm is planning to relaunch exploration in areas such as Block 48.

Total operates Block 32 with a 30% stake alongside partners Sonangol P&P, which holds 30%; Sonangol Sinopec International 32 Limited with a 20% share; Esso Exploration & Production Angola (Overseas) Limited with a 15% interest; and Galp Energia Overseas Block 32 B.V. with the remaining 5%.