Eni has started production from the Vandumbu Field in Block 15/06 through the West Hub N’Goma FPSO offshore Angola, the company said Dec. 10.

First oil was achieved in late November, three months ahead of schedule, followed in early December by the startup of a subsea multiphase boosting system. Eni said the ramp-up of Vandumbu will be completed in first-quarter 2019 to achieve a total production of about 170,000 barrels of oil per day, further extending the production plateau.

The two start-ups are part of Eni’s phased and clustered development strategy for the block. The block is being developed by a joint venture that comprises operator Eni (36.84%), Sonangol P&P (36.84%) and SSI Fifteen Ltd. (26.32%).