ConocoPhillips submits E. Java oilfield PoD

US oil, gas firm ConocoPhillips has submitted plan of development (PoD) of Bukit Tua oil field in Ketapang PSC offshore East Java for approval, a BPMIGAS senior official said.

The PoD is now in the hands of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ahmad Lutfi, BPMIGAS Deputy Chairman told Petromindo.Com recently.

Under present regulation, first oil or gas field development in a PSC must get approval from the ministry. Afterwards, only approval from BPMIGAS is needed for the next field developments.

Lutfi did not give further detail, but said the field also contained significant amount of gas. Earlier, Lutfi said that BPMIGAS is pressing ConocoPhillips to include gas development in its PoD.

Luluk Sumiarso, Director General of Oil and Gas at the Ministry confirmed that the PoD is now under review.

Earlier, BPMIGAS Chairman Kardaya Warnika said Bukit Tua could flow some 20,000 BPD of crude when fully onstream in 2009-10.

ConocoPhillips is the block’s operator with 50 percent interest. The company is reportedly in the process of transferring its entire interest in the block to Petronas Carigali, which also holds 50 percent interest in the block. (godang)