By an OGJ correspondent
BANGKOK, Sept. 29 -- Production from Thailand's newest oil field, Bualuang, operated by Salamander Energy PLC, reached a plateau level of more than 17,000 b/d of oil after the five producing wells were brought on stream.
Production from the field, which lies on Block B8/38 in the Gulf of Thailand, began from well BA-05 on Aug. 27, before the other wells began producing sequentially in the following days.
Salamander drilled a total of six development wells, including one water injector. The field's gross proved reserves were last estimated at 11 million bbl.
Salamander owns a 60% stake in the blocks. Along with its joint venture partner SOCO International PLC, 40%, it plans to test the remaining potential within the tract, including the undrilled east flank of the field as well as analogous structures elsewhere in the production license area.
Bualuang oil is processed and stored in the Rubicon Vantage floating production, storage, and offloading vessel prior to onward sale.
The field, which lies 110 km off Chumphon, was discovered in 1993 and subsequently appraised by two additional wells in 1997.
