Strategic Optimization of the Amenam-Kpono Offshore Development: Driving HPHT Innovation and Operational Excellence for TotalEnergies
Client: TotalEnergies
Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Duration: January 2001 – January 2005
Sector: Energy (Upstream Offshore Development)
Executive Challenge
TotalEnergies launched the $1.5B Amenam-Kpono Project, a strategic offshore development to solidify its leadership in Nigeria’s upstream sector. The project faced significant technical and operational challenges, including:
High-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) reservoirs in deeply buried sandstone formations.
Extended-reach and deviated wells with departures up to 3 km.
Elevated gas-oil ratios (500 m³/m³) impacting recovery efficiency.
Reservoir fluids with paraffin and CO₂, posing flow assurance and integrity risks.
Success required a strategy that combined reservoir pressure management, risk mitigation, cost optimization, and accelerated delivery of first oil—all under close regulatory and stakeholder scrutiny.
Strategic Leadership Approach
As Well Completion and Reservoir Drilling Advisor, Mike Etuhoko led the execution of an integrated strategy anchored in technological innovation, operational discipline, and leadership development:
Strategic Reservoir Management
Designed and implemented reservoir pressure and continuity strategies.
Optimized wellbore architecture and validated pressure support through interference testing, reducing field development risk.
Operational Innovation
Deployed interventionless well designs to streamline operations, enhance cost efficiency, and safeguard HPHT well integrity.
Established a new regional performance benchmark for offshore completions.
Leadership Development & Knowledge Transfer
Mentored cross-functional teams on advanced well design and innovation.
Strengthened internal technical capabilities, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
Global Thought Leadership
Co-authored and published SPE Paper #90760, advancing best practices in well technology and reservoir optimization.
Reinforced TotalEnergies’ global reputation as a technical leader.
Results & Business Impact
First Oil Delivered on Schedule
Elevated TotalEnergies to become Nigeria’s third-largest oil producer, securing regional strategic advantage.Operational & Financial Excellence
Generated $12M in operational savings through optimized completions.
Eliminated $90K per well in intervention costs via innovative valve and packer designs.World-Class Safety Record
Maintained a zero-incident safety record across the project lifecycle, setting a benchmark in operational risk management.Sustained Strategic Value
Strengthened asset performance, organizational resilience, and regional technical leadership.
Protekz Core Values in Action
Empowerment – Built lasting operational excellence through mentoring, capability-building, and cross-functional collaboration.
Impact – Delivered financial returns, risk mitigation, and innovation that enhanced long-term asset value.
Fulfillment – Advanced global energy excellence and contributed to sustainable development and energy security.
Client Testimonial
“I was nominated Drilling and Wells Manager within EPNL in Nigeria between 2002 and 2005. And I was lucky and privileged to work with Mike who was in charge of well completion during that period. His high technical knowledge, his string dedication, his team-spirit were extremely appreciated and contributed highly to the success of Amenam development and the series of intensive and successful exploration and appraisal wells (USAN2, 3, 4 then 5, 6, 7 and 8, PREOWEI 1 and 2, EGINA 1 and 2). Mike was a very hard worker, ready to embark with important and new challenges. And in addition, always with a large smile, contributing to generate good and positive atmosphere within the Team. I followed, remotely, his impressive career path. And I’m proud to be solicited to provide my very positive feedback and strong recommendation to Mike Etuhoko.”
