Petrofac has signed two memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS).
The first MOU records the undertaking by Petrofac and PETRONAS to accelerate production from Block PM304, offshore Peninsular Malaysia, with a third phase of development.
Petrofac owns a 30% equity share and is the Operator of PM304, which includes the Cendor and West Desaru fault blocks.
Petrofac intends to accelerate the development of the West Desaru fault block by introducing an Early Production System which will involve both utilising current export facilities and also upgrading and deploying a Mobile Offshore Production Unit which is in the process of being purchased.
This approach is expected to bring forward first oil production from West Desaru into the fourth quarter of 2012.
The second phase development of the Cendor fault block, also in Block PM304, is expected to start up in the second quarter of 2013, bringing the overall production capacity of Block PM304 to around 60,000 barrels per day.
The second MOU outlines the intention between Petrofac and PETRONAS to collaborate in the area of competency development, capability building and education activities.
This will involve a technical training partnership between Petrofac Training Services and Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) to develop competency-based training for operations and maintenance personnel, as well as lecture and seminar programs with the Universiti Teknologi Petroleum (UTP).
Ayman Asfari, Petrofac Group Chief Executive, commented, "We have been working with PETRONAS since 2004, when we began the development of PM304 with the Cendor fault block. This is a relationship we value highly and which continues to deepen.
We have today entered into two arrangements that will accelerate the development of PM304 and support PETRONAS in their continuous efforts in enhancing Malaysian capability in the oil & gas sector.
In combination, we are providing a solution which addresses important strategic targets for PETRONAS and serves to underpin the strength of our Integrated Energy Services offering."
Dato' Shamsul Azhar Abbas, PETRONAS' President and Chief Executive said, "From the early stages of their entry into Malaysia's oil & gas upstream development PETRONAS has viewed Petrofac as one of its strategic partners.
This view is reflected by the MOUs we have exchanged today. Going forward, PETRONAS will be able to access and benefit from a broader range of capabilities from across the Petrofac group, building on our existing partnership.
We look forward to our continued collaboration with them."
