(WO) - bp has started gas production from the Quiluma field offshore Angola as part of the New Gas Consortium (NGC), marking the country’s first non-associated gas development.

The project, operated by Azule Energy—a 50:50 joint venture between bp and Eni—is expected to deliver initial production of about 150 MMscf/d, ramping up to approximately 330 MMscf/d by the end of 2026.

Gas from the shallow-water Quiluma field is processed onshore and supplied to the Angola LNG plant, supporting both domestic energy needs and export markets.

Azule Energy holds a 37.4% stake in the NGC, alongside Cabinda Gulf Oil Company (31%), Sonangol E&P (19.8%) and TotalEnergies (11.8%), with Angola’s national concessionaire ANPG overseeing the development.

“The safe delivery of the NGC project is another example of bp’s strategic progress and demonstrates what strong partnerships and collaboration can deliver,” said Gordon Birrell, bp’s executive vice president for production & operations. “This project marks an important step for Angola’s energy system and strengthens the country’s energy mix.”

The start-up follows recent upstream activity by Azule Energy, including new developments in Angola and exploration successes in Namibia’s Orange basin.