Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), a subsidiary of Shell plc, has made waves with the announcement of a final investment decision (FID) for the Bonga North deep-water project. This groundbreaking development is set to redefine deep-water energy production off the coast of Nigeria, and it’s packed with innovation, ambition, and promise for the future.
The Bold Vision Behind Bonga North
Picture this: the vast expanse of the ocean, state-of-the-art subsea technology, and the hum of human ingenuity working tirelessly to unlock energy potential. That’s the essence of Bonga North. This project is no ordinary venture; it’s a technological marvel that ties back to the Shell-operated Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, where Shell holds a 55% operating interest.
Here’s what makes Bonga North stand out:
- 16 New Wells: Eight production wells and eight water injection wells will be drilled, completed, and brought online.
- FPSO Upgrades: Modifications to the Bonga Main FPSO will enhance its capabilities.
- Subsea Innovations: Cutting-edge hardware will be installed and tied back to the FPSO.
With an estimated recoverable resource of over 300 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe) and a peak production target of 110,000 barrels of oil per day, Bonga North is a game-changer. First oil is expected by the end of this decade, making this a project to watch closely.
A Boost for Nigeria’s Energy Industry
Beyond the impressive stats, Bonga North represents a significant leap for Nigeria’s energy sector. It’s about more than just barrels and boe; it’s about creating value, driving economic growth, and showcasing Nigeria as a global energy powerhouse.
Zoë Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, put it best: “This is another significant investment, which will help us to maintain stable liquids production from our advantaged Upstream portfolio.” In other words, Bonga North is not just about sustaining production—it’s about securing the future.
Collaboration: The Heart of Success
Bonga North is a masterclass in teamwork. SNEPCo operates the Bonga field alongside an elite group of partners:
- Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. (20%)
- Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd. (12.5%)
- TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. (12.5%)
- On behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC)
Together, these stakeholders combine expertise, resources, and vision to make projects like Bonga North a reality.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Bonga isn’t new to making headlines. Since production began in 2005, this deep-water development, located in OML 118 at water depths exceeding 1,000 meters, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s offshore energy landscape. In 2023, the Bonga FPSO celebrated a historic milestone: the production of its one-billionth barrel of crude oil. With a production capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil per day, Bonga continues to set the standard for offshore excellence.
What Makes Bonga North Special?
Let’s break it down:
- Big Numbers: 300 million boe in recoverable resources and 110,000 barrels of oil per day at peak production.
- Top-Tier Technology: From advanced subsea hardware to FPSO upgrades, Bonga North is a showcase of innovation.
- Sustainable Approach: By focusing on near-field opportunities and leveraging proven models of simplification and replication, Shell ensures efficiency and sustainability.
Why It Matters to Sajook
As a company dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Sajook draws inspiration from projects like Bonga North. They showcase what’s possible when innovation, collaboration, and excellence come together. These milestones not only fuel our industry but also ignite our passion for delivering world-class services.
Stay tuned to the Sajook Blog for more captivating stories, industry updates, and behind-the-scenes insights. The future of energy is bright, and we’re excited to be part of the journey!
