Petronas, Shell Ink Two PSCs for Enhanced Oil Recovery Offshore Malaysia

Petronas and Shell Malaysia today signed two new production sharing contracts (PSCs) for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects offshore Sarawak and Sabah.

The contracts build upon two existing PSCs for fields in the Baram Delta Operations area and North Sabah, where oil has been produced for decades using mainly primary and secondary recovery techniques.

The development is expected to have a positive impact on Malaysia’s oil reserves and benefit the country as a whole. Associated work activities and new investments from the partners are expected to extend the life of the fields to beyond 2040 and lead to increased oil production.

Under the new contracts, Shell Malaysia’s upstream companies and partner PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd. will further develop six oil fields in the Baram Delta offshore Sarawak, and three oil fields in the North Sabah development area offshore Sabah, using EOR or other appropriate related technologies.

The innovative deal combines the remaining periods of the earlier PSCs which would have expired in 2018 (Baram Delta Operations) and 2019 (North Sabah) with license extension to 2040, and with the addition of the EOR component for integrated PSCs with new terms.

“This agreement is a good example of how partners working together can apply technical innovation to make the most of the world’s valuable energy resources,” said Shell Chief Executive Officer Peter Voser.

Anuar Taib, Chairman Shell Malaysia added “The development extends the sustainability of Shell Malaysia’s upstream operations in the country for at least another generation or two of Shell staff, and will have a real impact on Malaysia’s oil reserves and the country’s upstream oil and gas industry.”

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib Abdul Razak witnessed the signing between the two companies. The contracts were signed by President and Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Dato’ Shamsul Azhar Abbas and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Peter Voser.

According to Bernama, the project will cost USD 12 billion, over 20 years and it is the world’s biggest offshore enhanced oil recovery project.

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Offshore Energy Today Staff, January 16, 2012