(WO) —Chevron and its partner TotalEnergies have commenced oil and gas production at the deepwater, high-pressure, high-temperature Anchor project offshore the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Anchor production marks the successful delivery of high-pressure technology designed to operate safely at up to 20,000 psi with reservoir depths extending to 34,000 feet below sea level.

“The Anchor project represents a breakthrough for the energy industry,” said Nigel Hearne, Executive Vice President of Chevron Oil, Products & Gas. “The application of this industry-first deepwater technology enables us to develop previously difficult-to-access resources and will enable the industry to pursue similar deepwater high-pressure developments.”

Anchor’s semi-submersible floating production unit (FPU) has a planned capacity of 75,000 bopd (28 MMcfgd). The Anchor development will consist of seven subsea wells connected to the Anchor FPUis located in the Green Canyon area, approximately 225 km off the coast of Louisiana, in a water depth of approximately 1,524 m. The total potentially recoverable resources of the Anchor field are estimated at up to 440 MMboe.

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

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, Anchor FPU was designed as an all-electric plant with electric motors and electronic controls. In addition, the FPU uses waste heat and steam recovery systems as well as existing pipeline infrastructure to transport oil and natural gas directly to markets on the US Gulf Coast.

Chevron, through its subsidiary Chevron USA Inc., operates the Anchor project and holds a 62.86% interest in it. Co-owner TotalEnergies E&P USA, Inc. holds a 37.14% interest.