Bualuang

Bualuang Oil Field Profile

Location and Geology

The Bualuang oil field is located in the Gulf of Thailand, specifically in block B8/38, in the Western Basin. It is situated approximately 60 kilometers west of the Chevron-operated gas and condensate fields and the Pearl Energy-operated Jasmine oil field in the Pattani Trough. The field is in shallow water with a depth of about 60 meters (197 feet).

Ownership and Operation

The Bualuang oil field has undergone changes in ownership and operation. Initially, it was 100% owned and operated by Salamander Energy, a UK-based company. However, as of recent updates, the field is now associated with Medco Energi Thailand (Bualuang), although specific details on the current ownership transition are not provided in the sources. Ophir Energy also played a significant role in the development and operation of the field, particularly during the later phases of development.

Discovery and Development

The Bualuang field was originally discovered in 1992 under the name "Pornsiri" and was further appraised by two additional wells in 1997. The development plan was approved by the Thailand Department of Mineral Fuels in 2006, and the field came onstream in August 2008. The initial development included six wells, with five producers and one water injector, and utilized the Rubicon Vantage Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Production

• Peak Production: The field reached its maximum production capacity of 17,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September 2008. Over the years, production has varied; between 2008 and 2012, it averaged between 7,000 and 8,000 bpd. Following additional development drilling and the installation of a new wellhead platform in 2012, production increased to an average of 12,300 bpd by 2013. As of recent years, production has decreased to about 8,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).
• Reserves: Initially estimated to contain around 14 million barrels of oil (MMbo) with a productive life of about five years, the field has undergone several reserve upgrades. It is now expected to ultimately recover approximately 75 MMbo. The remaining oil reserves are estimated at 28.3 MMbbl of 2P (proven and probable) and 10.3 MMbbl of 2C (contingent) reserves.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• FPSO: The Rubicon Vantage FPSO, converted from the Nordic Trym shuttle tanker, is used for oil processing and storage. It has a crude oil storage capacity of 570,000 barrels and a processing capacity of up to 44,000 bpd.
• Platforms: The field includes two interconnected wellhead platforms, Alpha and Bravo, with plans for an additional Charlie platform as part of the Phase 4 development plan. This new platform will include 12 well slots and will be bridge-linked to the existing platforms.
• Pipelines: The production wells are connected via pipelines to the FPSO. Additional subsea pipelines are planned as part of the Phase 4 development to connect the new Charlie platform to the existing offshore production facilities.

Development Phases

• Initial Phase: The first phase of development involved six wells and was completed by June 2008.
• Second Phase: This phase included sidetracking existing production wells to convert them into horizontal production wells, completed in May 2009.
• Subsequent Phases: Further development drilling was carried out in 2011 and 2013, with ongoing plans for additional wells and infrastructure upgrades. The Phase 4 development plan, initiated by Ophir Energy, involves infill drilling, the installation of a new 12-well slot platform, and expansion of water disposal capacity.

Contractors and Partners

Several contractors and partners have been involved in the development of the Bualuang field, including:

• WorleyParsons: Engineering of the topsides and jackets.
• Clough: Construction of the topsides and jackets.
• Emas Offshore Construction and Production: Installation of jackets, topsides, pipelines, and moorings.
• Nippon Steel and ENEOS Holdings: Other contractors involved in the project.

Future Plans

The current development plan, Phase 4, aims to extract identified oil reserves of about 9.9 MMbbl from the Miocene sandstones. This includes drilling new development wells, installing a new platform, and expanding water disposal capacity. The plan is expected to run from 2018 to 2020 and will cost approximately $138 million.

Production Outlook

Production from the Bualuang field is expected to continue well into the next decade, although at decreasing rates. The field currently accounts for approximately 1% of Thailand's daily oil output and is projected to reach its economic limit by 2028.