Project Timeline & Milestones

Key Milestones

2012 — Cameia Discovery: US independent Cobalt International Energy drills the Cameia discovery well on Block 20/11, confirming the presence of pre-salt hydrocarbon reservoirs in the deepwater Kwanza Basin — the first significant pre-salt find offshore Angola.

2012-2016 — Exploration Campaign: Cobalt drills 8 exploration wells across Blocks 20/11 and 21/09, making 7 discoveries (88% success rate) including Cameia, Mavinga, Bicuar, Golfinho (2016), and Zalophus. Estimated 1.3 billion barrels gross resources.

2015 — Cobalt Bankruptcy: Cobalt International Energy files for bankruptcy. Attempts to sell 40% interest to Sonangol for $1.75 billion face complications. The companies eventually settle through arbitration in 2018 ($500 million).

December 2018 — TotalEnergies Acquisition: TotalEnergies signs SPA with Sonangol for interests in Blocks 20/11 and 21/09, paying $400 million at closing with $100 million at FID and contingency payments capped at $250 million.

2023 — Petronas Entry: Petronas acquires 40% stake in Block 20 for $400 million, establishing the final consortium: TotalEnergies 40%, Petronas 40%, Sonangol 20%.

May 20, 2024 — Final Investment Decision: FID announced in Luanda at a meeting between TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné, President João Lourenço, MIREMPET Minister Diamantino Azevedo, ANPG Chairman Paulino Jerónimo, and Sonangol CEO Gaspar Martins. Total investment: $6 billion. Saipem awarded $3.7 billion in contracts.

July 2024 — SLB OneSubsea Contract: SLB OneSubsea awarded 13-well subsea production system contract for two-phase development.

September 2024 — Siemens Energy Contract: Siemens Energy awarded contract for 80 MW power generation plant for the FPSO.

Early 2025 — FPSO Conversion Begins: CMHI commences FPSO conversion at Nantong, China, converting the VLCC Alsace into the FPSO Kaminho.

Mid-2025 — First Steel Cut (Angola): Steel cutting ceremony at Petromar/Saipem's Ambriz yard in Bengo province. Fabrication of 5,500+ tonnes of subsea structures begins. 94% Angolan workforce.

Late 2025 — 30% Complete: TotalEnergies Managing Director Angola Martin Deffontaines confirms project is approximately 30% complete at AOG 2025 conference.

2026-2027 — Subsea Installation: Offshore installation activities scheduled using Saipem's FDS vessel for SURF installation. Suction anchor and flowline installation.

2027 — FPSO Sail-Away: Planned sail-away of completed FPSO Kaminho from CMHI Nantong to Block 20/11 offshore Angola. Offshore hookup and commissioning.

2028 — First Oil: Production start-up from Cameia field (Phase 1). Ramp-up to plateau of 70,000 barrels per day.

For project overview, investment analysis, and strategic outlook beyond first oil, see our dedicated pages.