13-08-08 ExxonMobil's subsidiary Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) (Esso Angola) started production from the Saxi and Batuque fields as part of the development progression of the Kizomba C project offshore Angola.
Combined with a third Kizomba C field, Mondo, which came on stream in January, the project is anticipated to reach a total production rate of 200,000 bpd of oil later this year.

The Kizomba C development is designed to produce a total of approximately 600 mm barrels of oil over the life of the three producing fields, which are located about 90 miles (145 km) off the coast of Angola in water depths of nearly 2,400 feet (731 m).
The Kizomba C development includes two floating production, storage and offloading vessels (FPSOs) and 36 subsea wells, making it the largest subsea development operated by an ExxonMobil affiliate worldwide. The twin FPSOs are the fourth and fifth production hubs on Block 15, following Xikomba in 2003, Kizomba A in 2004, and Kizomba B in 2005. Total Block 15 production is expected to total around 700,000 bpd when the Saxi and Batuque fields reach peak production.

Nearly $ 1.5 bn has been spent on local goods and services for Kizomba C, including contracts for in-country fabrication, logistics support, and training and development of Angolan personnel. Angolan participation in the project has increased significantly over time as local companies, working with ExxonMobil and Esso Angola, have developed their capabilities to perform the work required for such complex projects.
The Saxi and Batuque start-up follow other ExxonMobil projects that started producing in 2008, including Kizomba C Mondo (Angola), Volve (Norway), Starling (UK), ACG Phase 3 (Azerbaijan), and East Area Natural Gas Liquids II (Nigeria).

In addition to Esso Angola, the operator with 40 % interest, other co-venturers in Block 15 are BP Exploration (Angola) with 26.67 % interest, ENI Angola Exploration with 20 % interest and Statoil Angola Block 15 with 13.33 % interest.
Sonangol is the concessionaire.