Newfield repairs Malaysian crude export line

Newfield Exploration Co. announced Aug. 9 the resumption of more than 20,000 b/d oil production from its East Belumut field, on Block PM 323 off Malaysia, following repairs to a damaged export pipeline.

Aug. 10, 2010

Christopher E. Smith
OGJ Pipeline Editor

HOUSTON, Aug. 10 -- Newfield Exploration Co. announced Aug. 9 the resumption of more than 20,000 b/d oil production from its East Belumut field, on Block PM 323 off Malaysia, following repairs to a damaged export pipeline.

East Belumut was offline for 4 weeks, following damage to the pipeline connecting the East Belumut platform to the Tinggi platform, roughly 17 miles away. An unidentified vessel caused the damage. East Belumut is about 160 miles off peninsular Malaysia in 240 ft of water.

Newfield estimates deferred production in third-quarter 2010 stemming from the pipeline damage of about 300,000 bbl, as compared with original estimates of 500,000-600,000 bbl. Newfield operates PM 323 with a 60% interest.

The company estimates its total Malaysian production as of mid-2009 at 40,000 b/d from seven shallow-water developments. Newfield expects 2010 total company production will be 283-288 bcf equivalent, an increase of at least 10% over 2009.