The Rigs-to-Reef (“R2R”) journey began about 20 years ago in 2004, when PETRONAS successfully repurposed the storm-damaged Baram-8 platform into an artificial reef in Sarawak. Over a decade later, in 2017, the Kapal platform structures were reefed near Pulau Kapas, Terengganu as well as D30 and Dana, off-the-coast of Sarawak. At the end of 2023, we will be completing another R2R project offshore Terengganu, bringing this to 5 platforms that have been repurposed.
R2R has been scientifically proven to restore, create and enhance marine habitats, enhancing marine biodiversity. Through monitoring the reefed structures, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, an increase of 30 per cent in fish species in the area was observed, with an average of 10 per cent growth of food for fishes annually. At the Pulau Kapas reef site, this translates to approximately 3,000kg more fish in the area.
Apart from enriching marine ecology, R2R also promotes eco-tourism and recreational industries, serving up new scuba diving destinations and fishing spots for anglers. Additionally, R2R also contributes towards the National Food Security Policy Action Plan as driven by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. To ensure that the benefits will continue to be enjoyed by future generations, PETRONAS is also actively collaborating with the Department of Fisheries on a 10-year Malaysia Master Reefing Plan, with the culminationof creating multiple ‘reefing villages’ throughout Malaysia.
R2R supports PETRONAS’ Statement of Purpose and is aligned with PETRONAS’ Sustainability Agenda and the Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 pathway. It is also an example of how PETRONAS is committed to conduct and grow its business in ways that can contribute positively to society and the environment.