Italian oil major Eni has started production of the East Pole Field, located in a deepwater block offshore Angola, with early output estimated at 38,000 barrels per day (Mbbl/d), state oil company Sonangol said on Feb. 10.

Production is taking place through the Armada Olombendo FPSO vessel, which can generate up to 80 Mbbl/d and compress up to 3.4 million cubic meters per day of gas, the company said.

The field is in Block 15/06, which is operated by Eni with a 35.83% stake, while Sonangol also controls 36.84% and the SSI Fifteen Ltd. has the remaining stake.

East Pole's production will add on to output of West Pole, which produces 75 Mbbl/d, Sonangol said.

"The production of Block 15/06 will reach this year approximately 150,000 barrels of oil per day," Sonangol said in a statement.

Angola rivals Nigeria as Africa's largest oil producer.