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TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractBonga -the first Deepwater development in Nigeriacommenced production in Q4 2005. At an early stage of the project, flow assurance was identified as a key factor for successful development, noting: (i) complexities of the subsea network, including local downhill flow, (ii) logistical challenges of a new Deepwater basin, and (iii) reservoir fluids' propensity for solids formation, including additional risks posed by full-field waterflood.This paper discusses the key elements of the Bonga flow assurance strategy and its implementation in design and operations, with particular focus on the flow assurance performance of the subsea system during initial start-up. Comparisons of field data with analysis predictions include: (i) steady-state thermal-hydraulic performance, (ii) system thermal response during cold start-up, (iii) cooldown performance of subsea hardware and flowlines, (iv) system blowdown effectiveness, including the effect of riser gas-lift and (v) terrain slugging severity and gas-lift requirements.