CNOOC to start Indonesian exploration campaign

Indonesian unit of Chinese oil, gas firm CNOOC Limited will start drilling campaign at its Indonesian exploration blocks by drilling at least three wells this year and next year.

CNOOC Indonesia VP Relations and general Affairs Sugiarto Moechammad said the company will drill two wells this year at Batanghari block in Central Sumatra. CNOOC has 87 percent stake in the block, which was awarded in 2006.

Next year the company will drill at least one well at South Palung Aru block offshore Timor Sea. Sugiarto said CNOOC has completed recent 3D seismic program and is currently processing the data.

CNOOC has 67 percent stake in the block with Malaysian oil firm Petronas controlling the balance.

Meanwhile, he also said that CNOOC?s SES offshore block in Java Sea will produce 45,000 barrels of oil per day this year and will experience slight decline to 42,000 BPD next year due to reserves depletion. SES also produces 110MMCFD of gas, 40MMCFD of which is for own use. (alex)