Petronas narrows operational regions following recent discoveries

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has detailed ongoing exploration endeavors following discoveries made in this year’s first half, including an update to its divestment plan.

The company noted success in Suriname with the Sloanea-2 well in Block 52, drilled in June. The appraisal well has increased the operator’s prospects in the basin and opens the possibility of developing a standalone floating liquified natural gas (FLNG) project at the field, the company said. Petronas is currently assessing the feasibility of an integrated development strategy for gas and oil extraction within the block.

In May, Petronas Suriname E&P BV had discovered hydrocarbons in the block at the Fusaea-1 exploration well. The 4,749-sq km Block 52 lies north of the coast of Paramaribo, Suriname, within the Suriname-Guyana basin. Petronas is operator of the block in a 50-50 partnership with ExxonMobil Corp. (OGJ Online, May 15, 2024).

Also in May, the company discovered hydrocarbons in the Bekok Deep-1 oil and gas exploration well in Peninsular Malaysia.

The company said the discovery stands out “due to its promising well testing results, which demonstrate a strong hydrocarbon flow rate.”

 Elswhere, following a 2-year period of divestment initiatives, the company said it will withdraw from operations in the Republic of South Sudan. Petronas subsidiary Petronas Carigali Nile Ltd. noted the decision was made to align with a long-term investment strategy amid the changing industry environment and accelerated energy transition.