Chevron achieves first oil offshore Angola two years after platform construction start-up

January 5, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (CABGOC), a subsidiary of the U.S.-headquartered energy giant Chevron, has put into production mode a new oil platform off the coast of Angola just over two years after construction on the platform began.

South N’dola platform in Angola; Source: Chevron

While disclosing the first oil milestone at its South N’dola platform in Angolan waters, which was delivered in December 2025, Chevron explains that the platform uses a field-to-production-facility tie-back, which connects to the nearby Mafumeira facility, where the oil and gas the platform produces are processed and then pumped to the terminal for export.

This approach is perceived to help eliminate the need for separate oil and gas processing equipment at South N’dola in Block 0, said to be the abundant offshore reservoir in Angola that is responsible for 12% of the country’s daily energy output.

Brent Gros, President of Chevron Offshore Business, commented: “Underpinned by the prolific Block 0, safely achieving first oil at South N’dola is the latest example of Chevron’s efforts to maximize production from our existing offshore assets in Angola.”

Taking advantage of spare capacity in existing infrastructure is perceived to have enabled efficient and cost-effective development of the South N’dola field, marking what is described as a new chapter in the U.S.-based giant’s long history in Angola.

During its construction phase, South N’dola was expected to create more than 800 local jobs, and now that it is producing, it will deliver oil and gas to local Angolan plants. Currently, the company operates two offshore tracts in Angola, Block 0 and deepwater Block 14, through Cabinda Gulf Oil Co.

Gros added: “Chevron and the Angolan government have worked together for more than 70 years to develop the nation’s thriving energy industry—a fantastic example of how people and partnerships power progress.”

Chevron, which disclosed a final investment decision (FID) for the Gorgon Stage 3 development in Australia at the end of 2025, set aside about $7 billion from its budget for 2026 for offshore oil and gas moves across Guyana, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Gulf of America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico).