Kuala Lumpur: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is considering decommissioning several matured assets within the country’s upstream operations, prominently featuring the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP). The 500-kilometre natural gas pipeline, operational since early 2014, spans from Kimanis in Sabah to Bintulu in Sarawak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Petronas outlined in its ‘Activity Outlook for 2025-2027’ report that the decommissioning process also involves evaluating unused assets for potential new purposes. Over the next three years, plans include the plugging and abandonment of approximately 153 wells and the closure of about 37 offshore facilities and one onshore facility, specifically the SSGP.

Furthermore, Petronas forecasts drilling around 15 exploration wells annually over the next two years, concentrating on shallow and deepwater wells. The company also anticipates drilling over 400 wells and implementing 39 upstream projects within the next three years. These projects encompass the const
ruction of three offshore Central Processing Platforms and three onshore facilities, alongside the fabrication and installation of approximately 900 kilometres of pipelines.

To maintain optimal production levels at existing fields and facilities, Petronas has planned about 367 Facilities Improvement Plans (FIPs) for the upcoming three years. These plans involve procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning tasks, including the F6 Rejuvenation Project’s Gas Turbine Generator Replacement. Petronas emphasized that these FIPs will support decarbonisation efforts by reducing flaring at new onshore facilities.

Additionally, the company is advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a key business area, particularly through the Kasawari project. In its downstream operations, Petronas is actively seeking growth opportunities in the specialty chemicals sector.