The Thai subsidiary of Chevron Corp. reported start of production from the $3.1 billion Platong II Gas project in the Gulf of Thailand. The Chevron unit reported earlier this year that it had hoped to start production before yearend (OGJ Online, Jan. 21, 2011).
The Platong II project is expected to ramp up production to 330 MMcfd of gas, which will feed growing Thai demand for energy, increasing the country's production by more than 10% from its current 2.89 bcfd, and boosting Chevron's net gas production from the Gulf of Thailand by more than 20%. The project also is expected to produce 18,000 b/d of natural gas liquids.
Platong II, which is one of southeast Asia's largest offshore structures, is in shallow water 120 miles from Thailand’s southern coast.
George Kirkland, Chevron vice-chairman, said, "Asia is becoming the center of global energy demand growth. Platong II is one of Chevron's many developments in the region that will allow us to supply safe, reliable, and affordable energy to meet this need."
Melody Meyer, president, Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration & Production Co., said, "Chevron's commitment to providing energy to the kingdom of Thailand has been unwavering. From the start-up of the first natural gas field in the Gulf of Thailand 30 years ago, to Platong II, Chevron has worked in close partnership with the kingdom to develop the energy industry, building a foundation for energy security and long-term economic development."
Chevron is operator of Platong II with a 69.9% stake; partners are Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. Ltd., 27.4%, and PTT Exploration & Production PCL, 2.7%.