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Angolan deepwater success continues
This article originally appeared in the Lamp, 2007 — Number 4
Angola’s oil production has expanded rapidly and the country is a growing source of U.S. oil imports. ExxonMobil’s Marimba startup boosts the company’s total offshore production to more than 500,000 barrels a day.
The startup of the Marimba North project in September 2007, two months ahead of schedule, continued a string of successful deepwater developments in Angola’s prolific Block 15. Marimba North is a subsea “tie-back” to the large Kizomba A floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) in 3,900 feet (1,200 meters) of water more than 90 miles (145 kilometers) off the coast of Angola. It is the first of several planned tie-backs in Block 15 to commercialize remaining undeveloped discoveries.
Marimba North adds to ExxonMobil’s already extensive operations in Block 15. The company acquired its interest in the block in 1994 through its subsidiary, Esso Exploration Angola Limited (operator with 40 percent equity), which began exploring 10 years ago. Sonangol, the Angolan state-owned oil company, is the concessionaire.
The Marimba North project is expected to develop 80 million barrels of oil and add peak production capacity of about 40,000 barrels of oil a day.
Block 15 currently produces more than 500,000 barrels per day from Xikomba, Kizomba A and Kizomba B. These combined developments hold an estimated 2 billion barrels of recoverable resources. The Kizomba C development is expected to develop an additional 600 million barrels. Kizomba C includes two FPSOs, one of which is on site. The other is under construction in Singapore and due for delivery in 2008.
Repeat designs and upfront planning
“The Marimba project is another example of ExxonMobil’s highly successful ‘Design One, Build Multiple’ strategy,” says Mike Flynn, ExxonMobil Development Company’s (EMDC) vice president for deepwater projects. “We designed the existing Kizomba A facilities, then used essentially the same design for Kizomba B. The benefits surpassed everyone’s expectations. We will continue that strategy for future Block 15 tie-backs, with Marimba serving as the prototype for the next generation of subsea developments.
“The ‘Design One, Build Multiple’ concept simplifies the design and construction process,” Flynn says. “It addresses many of the difficulties in working on large-scale projects, especially offshore.
“The approach reduces unknowns to save both time and money,” he adds. “The philosophy is simple: Focus on high-quality design and plan carefully, then repeat it. But making it happen can be challenging because Mother Nature makes each reservoir unique. Sticking to one plan takes discipline. Fortunately, discipline and technological innovation have long been ExxonMobil hallmarks, and we now know how to maximize the benefits.”
Lloyd Guillory, Marimba North senior project manager for EMDC, emphasizes the benefits that early planning has played in project success. The innovative use of proven technologies early on allowed planners to optimize Marimba North’s integration into Kizomba A.
“The required modifications were successfully completed with no production downtime, which was a real accomplishment by the project team,” Guillory says.
“This is another example of ExxonMobil’s expertise in project management and execution. We completed the project ahead of schedule and within budget during a period of strained capacity in both local and global contractor markets.”
Building local capacity
The project used contractors and construction firms from several countries including Angola, Canada, England, France, Germany, Norway and the United States. Angolan companies, including contractors Petromar, Angoflex, Sonamet and Sonatide, were important contributors to the project’s success.
The Marimba project created significant benefits for Angola. ExxonMobil and its partners spent more than $70 million for community programs, local goods and services (such as in-country fabrication and logistics support), and training and development of Angolan workers.
“We have a long history around the world of working successfully with vendors and suppliers in countries where we operate,” says Flynn. “Contracts with local companies create sustained growth for the Angolan contractor community and build expertise to support future oil and gas developments.”
The experience gained on the Block 15 projects will make Angolans more competitive in seeking work in energy developments as well as in other industries.
Flynn says ExxonMobil’s close cooperation with its co-venturers and Sonangol was essential in helping the company achieve its ultimate objectives.
“The Marimba project is another important step in Angola’s oil and gas development,” says Flynn. “We are helping meet the world’s growing demand for energy and maximizing the value of Angola’s natural resources for its people and our shareholders.”
