Eni SpA started Cinguvu Field oil production offshore Angola two weeks ahead of schedule, the company said April 29. Production began at the West Hub development project in Block 15/06, the company added. The project in the block is about 350 km northwest of Luanda and 130 km west of Soyo.

Startup at Cinguvu follows last November’s first oil from Sangos Field, the company said. West Hub encompasses the development of Sangos, Cinguvu, Mpungi, Mpungi North and Vandumbu fields in 1,000 m to 1,500 m of water. The wells are arranged in clusters and connected to the N’Goma FPSO which handles 100Mbbl/d.

Sangos and Cinguvu are both onstream and produce about 60Mbbl/d through N’Goma. Production might reach 100Mbbl/d in this year’s final quarter when Mpungi Field is started up and connected to the FPSO.

Eni discovered more than 3 Bbbl of oil in place in Block 15/06. The exploration program in the block continues, the company said, adding that new discoveries will be tied on to production infrastructures.

Eni operates the block with a 35% stake and Sonangol EP is the concessionaire. The other partners of the joint venture are Sonangol Pesquisa e Produção (35%), SSI Fifteen Ltd. (25%) and Falcon Oil Holding Angola SA (5%).

Currently, Eni produces 105 Mboe/d in Angola.