Shell begins construction of upstream O&G lab in Malaysia

Malaysia’s Sarawak Shell Berhad, a subsidiary of oil major Royal Dutch Shell,  began construction of a new production support building in Miri, Malaysia today.

Chok Chee Tsong, Sarawak Shell Berhad’s general manager said the new building showcased the company’s commitment in continuing to invest in the oil and gas industry in Sarawak and in Malaysia.

He added: “The new building will include one of the largest upstream oil and gas laboratories in Malaysia and could possibly be the largest of such a facility in Sarawak.”

According to Shell, the facility will be built according to industry’s best practices for lab design, housing state of the art facilities, including high-tech analytical instruments and will have the capability of analyzing more than 50 analytical parameters for the purpose of sample investigation, sales product quality control, production optimization, well construction and legislative reporting.

These facilities should enable Shell to efficiently deliver the demands of its deepwater exploration and production activities in Malaysia, and meeting the expanding analytical capability required by its existing and future projects.

The new laboratory will also provide support to the operation and projects of its partners, including Petronas Carigali and other oil and gas players.

Jobs for local community

Chok explained, “It will enable us to support local community laboratory service requests, such as testing on contaminated water source and oil spill. It also enables us to provide trainings in chemistry and chemical handling to staff and contractors.”

Chok said the project would provide more job opportunities for the local community.

“There will be jobs available in the construction, landscaping, maintenance, commissioning and other areas of the project.”

Shell had awarded the construction contract to a local Miri based contractor.

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