Malaysia Petroleum Management
The oil and gas industry in Malaysia has continued to chart successes despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the low oil price. In early February 2021, PETRONAS confirmed a gas discovery from the Lang Lebah-2 exploration appraisal well in Block SK410B PSC. Within a month, we discovered gas at the Dokong-1 wildcat exploration well in Block SK417 Production Sharing Contract (PSC). These successive discoveries proved there is still an abundant of untapped opportunities in Malaysia’s highly prolific basins.
The Dokong-1 wildcat exploration well is located in the shallow waters of Baram Province, approximately 90 kilometres off the coast of Sarawak, offshore Malaysia. It was successfully drilled to a total depth of 3,810 metres in mid-January 2021. The discovery of a gas column measuring more than 80 metres in the Middle to Late Miocene Cycle VI-VII reservoirs further validates the potential of the remaining prospects in Baram Province.
This finding of contaminant-free gas in Dokong-1 not only revives Baram shallow clastics play but also proves the presence of more sweet gas opportunities within the area. The monetisation of sweet gas discovery in Baram Province can be supported through existing infrastructure and will contribute towards PETRONAS’ aspiration in delivering reliable, stable and cleaner energy supply to domestic and global markets.
In addition, the Dokong-1 discovery reinvigorates the entire exploration landscape of the Baram Province, strengthening the role of Baram gas supply network as part of the larger Sarawak gas system.
The road to achieving Dokong gas discovery was challenging, peppered with obstacles, such as subsurface and operations challenges. However, the strong collaboration between partners, PTTEP HK Offshore Limited and PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd made the discovery possible coupled with a competent multi-disciplinary technical team. Other success factors include end-to-end petroleum potential analysis (from subsurface to economic viability), comprehensive petroleum system synthesis study, subsurface integrated study and assurance as well as proactive well planning.
The future of exploration demands innovative thinking to challenge conventional ideas to facilitate upcoming success. PETRONAS is actively updating the geological and geophysical (G&G) data throughout Malaysia via acquisitions of 3D seismic & Full Tensor Gradiometry (multi-client and proprietary) data, controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM), seabed geochemistry and various technical studies.
Combining latest technology, new datasets and information, the chances of replicating successes such as Dokong-1 exploration well gas discovery are promising.
Beyond being a regulator, PETRONAS has also shaped the industry to meet the energy demand of its customers, not just in Malaysia but also across the world. Exploration activities need to be continued so that the immense opportunities that energy transition presents can be seized, further positioning PETRONAS in the new energy equation.
PETRONAS invites all investors to jointly unlock untapped oil and gas investment opportunities in Malaysia, the land of opportunities. Come and grow your energy portfolio with PETRONAS - https://www.petronas.com/mpm/investment-opportunities/malaysia-bid-round-2021
