By an OGJ correspondent
BANGKOK, Oct. 10 -- Thailand's PTT Exploration & Production PLC (PTTEP) plans to increase production by as much as 45% from its Arthit gas field in the Gulf of Thailand, in the first 3 years of operation.
To meet rising domestic demand, PTTEP will produce an additional 120-150 MMcfd of gas from Arthit in addition to the earlier scheduled rate of 330 MMcfd.
The production increase is made possible with the help of a floating production, storage, and offloading vessel at the field, 230 km off the southern Thai province of Songkhla.
Following a series of delays caused by technical problems and equipment shortages, PTTEP has rescheduled the Arthit production startup to the first quarter of 2008, (OGJ Online, May 4, 2006).
The company said it would discuss terms and conditions for the sales of additional gas supplies with state-owned PTT PLC.
PTTEP has an 80% stake in the field; Chevron Thailand Exploration & Production Ltd. holds 16% interest; and Moeco (Thailand), a Thai unit of Mitsui Oil Exploration Co., holds the remaining 4%.
