International oil major Shell has started oil production from its deepwater Gumusut field, located offshore Sabah, Malaysia, Reuters reports, citing sources close to the matter.
The sources told Reuters that the field is now producing at a rate of 10,000 barrels of oil per day (boepd) and that the output level is expected to reach 25.000 boepd by the end of the year. The Gumusut field lies in water depth up to 1,220 metres. First well at the field, the Gumusut-1, was drilled in 2003 resulting in an oil discovery. The field was successfully appraised in 2004 and 2005.
Sabah Shell Petroleum Company is operator of the field with 33 per cent stake. Other co-venturers in the project are ConocoPhillips (33.0%), PETRONAS Carigali (20.0%) and Murphy (14.0%)
[mappress] Offshore Energy Today Staff, September 12, 2012