Greater Plutonio is BP's largest subsea development with a planned first phase of 43 high rate subsea development wells of which 34 have been drilled. A relatively low level of classical field appraisal was performed because of high costs coupled with the fast project pace. Innovative subsurface management has therefore been required to reduce substantial uncertainty during the development phase. The start-up of Greater Plutonio achieved several firsts for BP using real-time capabilities. Extensive learnings from reservoir interference data from rig-based tests influenced the drilling order and enabled early understanding of reservoir connectivity. Appling applicable technology included 100% reliant on subsea multi-phase flow meters for well testing; downhole flow control for selective zonal water injection; and extensive use of remote sensing technologies. Real-time data has been relayed to desktops in Angola, UK and elsewhere. The data is integrated with well models to facilitate immediate well and reservoir management. The first 4D seismic survey was acquired 16 months after first oil. Successful subsurface and wells management demonstrated sufficient production potential to allow field rates of greater than 200mbd after just 3 months of operations. Over 300mmscf/d of gas injection potential and greater than 300mbwd of water injection were achieved within a year of first oil. Injection has been into every producing reservoir zone. The remote access to real-time data is enabling operations to make better decisions faster and reducing the numbers of field staff. Full voidage replacement in 2009, to allow sustainable plateau production, is ahead of plan. The enhanced reservoir understanding from the pre-first oil and ramp-up data reduced subsurface uncertainties during the early phase of the Greater Plutonio development and will continue to play a crucial part in increasing ultimate field recovery.