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Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field

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Industrial site
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Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)

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The Moho-Nord offshore oil field is the largest industrial project in the history of the Republic of the Congo, representing a major milestone in Central Africa's deep-water petroleum extraction. Located approximately 75 kilometers off the coast of Pointe-Noire at water depths ranging from 450 to 1,200 meters, it is operated by an international consortium led by TotalEnergies. The facility consists of an impressive combination of subsea drilling systems, a floating production unit (FPU), and a state-of-the-art tension-leg platform (TLP) specifically engineered for challenging Atlantic conditions. Since production began in 2017, the field has contributed significantly to the nation's daily oil output, solidifying Congo's position as the third-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project's technological complexity required massive financial investment and the deployment of advanced drilling techniques to reach reserves in deep geological layers. Beyond its direct economic impact through export revenues, Moho-Nord promotes technical knowledge transfer and creates high-skilled jobs for Congolese engineers. The revenues generated from this field are a central pillar of the national budget, funding critical infrastructure and development programs across the country.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828272624222224262626
Rain mm13312514011757101873152132

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field is a massive deep-water oil field in the Atlantic, accounting for a significant portion of Congolese oil production. It provides revenue for the state and drives the regional economy of Congo.
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Visiting
The oil field is located offshore and is completely inaccessible to the public. From the coast, one can occasionally see platforms or drilling ships on the horizon at a great distance.
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Where to view it
The best view of the oil field is from the coast of the Point-Noire region, especially on clear days. Binoculars or a telescope can help identify platforms in the distance.
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Local products
In coastal towns like Point-Noire, refined petroleum products are found at gas stations, as well as local crafts inspired by the oil industry. Fishing in the region benefits from the artificial reefs around the platforms.
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Active season
Extraction runs continuously throughout the year, with maintenance work during quieter months. Activity depends on global demand but usually remains consistently high.
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Nearby
A visit to the coast near the oil field can be combined with a stay in Point-Noire and visits to local markets and beaches. The nearby Conkouati-Douli Nature Reserve provides a wild alternative to the industry.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.70000, 11.50000

Facts

  • Moho-Nord has a daily production capacity of approximately 100,000 barrels of oil.
  • The TLP platform weighs over 14,000 tons and is securely moored to the seabed.
  • The project utilizes 28 subsea wellheads for petroleum extraction.
  • This is the first instance of a tension-leg platform (TLP) being used in African waters.
  • Extracted oil is transported via subsea pipelines to the onshore Djéno terminal.
  • TotalEnergies holds a 53.5% operating interest in this strategic project.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pointe-Indienne Turtle Nesting SitesPointe-Indienne Turtle Nesting Sites33 km · NExplore →
Loango Slave Trade PortLoango Slave Trade Port35 km · NExplore →
Atlantic OceanAtlantic Ocean35 km · NExplore →
Loango BayLoango Bay35 km · NExplore →
Pointe-Noire Deep Water PortPointe-Noire Deep Water Port38 km · NExplore →
Ma-Loango Royal PalaceMa-Loango Royal Palace40 km · NExplore →
Total Tower Pointe-NoireTotal Tower Pointe-Noire40 km · NExplore →
CORAF Oil RefineryCORAF Oil Refinery40 km · NExplore →

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Moho-Nord?
A major offshore oil project off the coast of Pointe-Noire.
Who operates the field?
It is mainly operated by TotalEnergies.
Can the platforms be seen?
They are usually not visible from the shore as they are far out at sea.
How is the oil brought ashore?
Through underwater pipelines to the terminal in Djéno.
What technology is used?
State-of-the-art deep-sea drilling and production technologies.
Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field: where is it located?
Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field is located in Congo - Brazzaville.
Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Moho-Nord offshore oil field is the largest industrial project in the history of the Republic of the Congo, representing a major milestone in Central Africa's deep-water petroleum extraction.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Total Tower Pointe-Noire — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Total Tower Pointe-Noire
Total Tower Pointe-Noire is a modern office tower linked to the city's energy sector.
Agostinho-Neto Airport Terminal — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Agostinho-Neto Airport Terminal
The terminal of the country's second most important airport in the port city of Pointe-Noire.

Nature

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Lake Cayo
Lake Cayo is a small lake in south-western Congo.
Kouilou-Niari River — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Kouilou-Niari River
The most significant river in southwestern Congo, flowing into the Atlantic.

More places

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Pointe-Indienne Turtle Nesting Sites
Beaches near Pointe-Noire where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
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Pointe-Noire Deep Water Port
The most important seaport in Central Africa and the gateway for the Republic of the Congo's international trade.
CORAF Oil Refinery — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
CORAF Oil Refinery
The national oil refinery in Pointe-Noire, responsible for the local fuel supply.
Loango Slave Trade Port — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Loango Slave Trade Port
A historical site on the coast from which millions of people were shipped during the transatlantic slave trade.
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Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean shapes Congo's western coast and port access.
Loango Bay — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Loango Bay
A historical bay on the Atlantic coast with great ecological significance.
Ma-Loango Royal Palace — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Ma-Loango Royal Palace
The former seat of the kings of Loango in Diosso, now a museum dedicated to the history of the kingdom.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary — Moho-Nord Offshore Oil Field (Congo - Brazzaville)
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The largest chimpanzee orphanage in Africa, founded by the Jane Goodall Institute for rescued young animals.