French oil company Total has started up production from the Moho Nord deep offshore project, located 75 kilometers offshore Pointe-Noire in Congo.

Operated by the group, the project has a production capacity of 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, the oil company said on Wednesday.

“Moho Nord is the biggest oil development to date in the Republic of the Congo. A showcase for Total's deep offshore operational excellence, it consolidates our leading position in Africa,” stated Arnaud Breuillac, President, Exploration & Production at Total.

“Moho Nord will contribute to the reinforcement of the cash flow of the Group and to its production growth.”

The Moho Nord field is developed through 34 wells tied back to a new tension leg platform, the first for Total in Africa, and to Likouf, a new floating production unit. The oil is processed on Likouf and then exported by pipeline to the Djeno onshore terminal, also operated by Total.

According to the company, there will be no routine flaring and the all-electric design improves energy efficiency by optimizing the amount of power needed to run the installations. All the produced water will be reinjected into the reservoir.

Total is the operator of the project with a 53.5% interest. Its partners are Chevron Overseas (Congo) Limited (31.5%) and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (15%).