Chevron, TotalEnergies begin oil and gas production from Anchor deepwater HPHT project offshore U.S. Gulf of Mexico

(WO) —Chevron and its partner TotalEnergies have started oil and gas production from the Anchor deepwater, high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) project offshore the U.S. in the Gulf of Mexico. Anchor production marks the successful delivery of high-pressure technology that is rated to safely operate at up to 20,000 psi, with reservoir depths reaching 34,000 ft below sea level.

“The Anchor project represents a breakthrough for the energy industry,” said Nigel Hearne, executive vice president, Chevron Oil, Products & Gas. “Application of this industry-first deepwater technology allows us to unlock previously difficult-to-access resources and will enable similar deepwater high-pressure developments for the industry.”

The Anchor semi-submersible floating production unit (FPU) has a design capacity of 75,000 bopd 28 MMcfgd. The Anchor development will consist of seven subsea wells tied into the Anchor FPU, located in the Green Canyon area, approximately 140 miles (225 km) off the coast of Louisiana, in water depths of approximately 5,000 ft (1,524 m). Total potentially recoverable resources from the Anchor field are estimated to be up to 440 MMboe.

The Anchor FPU is Chevron’s sixth operated facility currently producing in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, one of the lowest carbon intensity oil and gas basins in the world. Chevron’s operated and non-operated facilities in the Gulf of Mexico are expected to produce a combined 300,000 boed by 2026.

To reduce carbon emissions, the Anchor FPU was designed as an all-electric facility with electric motors and electronic controls. Additionally, the FPU utilizes waste heat and vapor recovery units as well as existing pipeline infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas directly to U.S. Gulf Coast markets.  

Chevron, through its subsidiary Chevron U.S.A. Inc., is operator and holds a 62.86% working interest in the Anchor project. Co-owner TotalEnergies E&P USA, Inc. holds a 37.14% working interest.