ExxonMobil Corp. (XOM) said Sept. 16 it has has started oil production ahead of schedule at the Erha North Phase 2 project offshore Nigeria.

The Erha North Phase 2 project is a deepwater subsea development operated by ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd.

The project is located 97 km (60 miles) offshore Nigeria in 1,006 m (3,300 ft) of water and 6 km (4 miles) north of the Erha field, which has been producing since 2006. It includes seven wells from three drill centers tied back to the existing Erha North FPSO vessel, reducing additional infrastructure requirements.

The project is estimated to develop an additional 165 MMbbl from the currently producing Erha North Field. Peak production from the expansion is currently estimated at 65,000 bbl/d of oil and will increase total Erha North field production to about 90,000 bbl/d.

ExxonMobil said it expects to increase its global production volumes this year by 2% to 4.1 MMboe/d, driven by 7% liquids growth. The volume increase is supported by the ramp up of projects completed in 2014 and the expected startup of major developments in 2015.

The Erha North Field was discovered in 2004 and initial production commenced in 2006. Operator Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd. holds a 56.25% interest in Erha North Phase 2, while Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Co. holds the remaining 43.75% share.

The ahead-of-schedule startup was supported by strong performance from Nigerian contractors, said Neil W. Duffin, president of ExxonMobil Development Co., in a statement. This accounted for more than $2 billion of project investment for goods and services, including subsea equipment, facilities and offshore installation.

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