Angola: First ultra-deep development starts

SONANGOL has given BP the go-ahead for the country's first oil development in an ultra-deep-water block – and, in a new move for Angola, has extended the approval to a series of subsequent developments in the block. BP is to develop a four-field complex in the northeast of Block 31, covering the Plutão, Saturno, Vênus and Marte (PSVM) fields. Plans call for first oil in 2011, with the plateau production rate of 150,000 barrels a day (b/d) due to be reached the following year.