**Chevron Breaks Barriers with Anchor Field Startup**
Chevron Corporation has successfully commenced oil and natural gas production at the Anchor field, marking a significant milestone in the energy industry. Located in the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico, approximately 225 kilometers off the Louisiana coast, the Anchor field is a testament to Chevron’s innovative approach and technical prowess.
### Development Background
The development of the Anchor field began in December 2019 with a systematic plan to harness previously inaccessible resources. This ambitious project involves a semi-submersible floating production unit (FPU) that is designed to handle substantial quantities of oil and gas.
### Technical Highlights
The Anchor FPU boasts impressive technical specifications, including a design capacity of 75,000 barrels of oil per day and 28 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. This facility operates using high-pressure technology, rated to safely function at pressures up to 20,000 pounds per square inch (psi), with reservoir depths reaching as far as 34,000 feet below sea level.
The application of this advanced technology not only signifies a breakthrough in deepwater oil and gas extraction but also underscores Chevron’s commitment to unlocking previously inaccessible resources. Nigel Hearne, executive vice president of Chevron’s Oil, Products & Gas division, emphasized, “The Anchor project represents a significant advancement for the energy sector. The introduction of this pioneering deepwater technology enables us to access previously challenging resources and fosters similar high-pressure developments within the industry.”
### Operational Efficiency
The Anchor FPU has been meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact while ensuring operational efficiency. The facility operates as an all-electric unit, utilizing electric motors and electronic controls. Additionally, it employs waste heat recovery and vapor recovery technologies to optimize resource utilization. The integration of existing pipeline infrastructure further enhances the efficiency of transporting oil and natural gas directly to U.S. Gulf Coast markets.
### Community Benefits
The initiation of production at the Anchor field is not merely a technical feat but also a significant contributor to