KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s first Tension Leg Platform (TLP), which was completed in April, is a result of a collaboration among major oil players — a signal that joint efforts are needed to remain sustainable during the “lower for longer” period.
The Malikai deep-water platform was designed and built and will be operated by Malaysians.
It was completed on time after 23 million man-hours, including 10 million work-hours, without a loss time injury recorded.
The platform was a joint venture between Shell Malaysia as the operator (with a 35 per cent stake), ConocoPhilips Sabah (35 per cent) and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (30 per cent).
It was designed and engineered by Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd (MMHE) and Technip.
It is a major milestone on what was once deemed difficult to achieve and is a national accomplishment.
“Deepwater is a growth priority for Shell and our Malikai project supports the country’s aspiration to be a hub for deep-water development in the region. It also allows for the transfer of knowledge, technology and capability to Malaysian contractors and service partners,” said Shell Global Solutions Malaysia managing director of projects and technology Simon Ong.
Momas Modon, Malikai project manager, said the recent sail-away of Malikai marked a historic chapter for the Malaysian oil and gas industry — a proud moment, given that the design, engineering, fabrication and onshore commissioning were all done in the country.
“The collaboration between Shell, joint-venture partners TMJV (Technip and MMHE) and contractors and service companies had been the key to this success. So was the support given by Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Bhd),” he added.
“MMHE is proud to have been the fabrication partner and Malaysian contractor to Shell and Technip for Malikai. The TLP project has helped develop local deep-water resources, infrastructure and expertise towards securing Malaysia’s position as a regional deep-water hub and centre of excellence,” said Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Bhd acting chief executive officer Wan Mashitah Wan Abdullah Sani.
Technip president for Asia Pacific Arnaud Pieton said: “The sail-away marks a salient move forward for both Malaysia and Technip in TLP technology and capability in the region.”
Malikai is Shell’s second deep-water project in Malaysia after the Gumusut-Kakap platform and is expected to have a peak production capability of 60,000 barrels per day.