ConocoPhillips to start development of Natuna's North Belut gas field

After begining the development of the Hiu and Kerisi gas fields in the South Natuna Sea Block B last year, ConocoPhillips is preparing to start the development of the North Belut field, the largest of the eastern natural gas fields of the Block.

According to company’s bidding invitation released Tuesday, the engineering, procurement and construction work for two wellhead platforms in the North Belut would be started in the first quarter of 2006 and it would last by the second quarter of 2008.

The Block B encompasses the Belida, Sembilang crude oil fields and the Belanak fields, which started crude production last year. The block also includes the Tembang, Belida, Keong and Kijing natural gas fields, which began production in 2002 to support sales agreements totaling 2.5 trillion cubic feet with Singapore and Malaysia.

Production from the Hiu and Kerisi fields is expected to begin in 2006 and 2007, respectively, and later achieve maximum daily production of 46,000 barrels of oil-equivalent. Meanwhile, the North Belut, which is estimated to contain about 667 billion cubic feet of gas recoverable reserves, is scheduled to be online in 2008.

ConocoPhillips is the operator of the Block B contract area, with 40 percent interest. Partners include INPEX Natuna Ltd (35 percent) and Chevron (25 percent). (Robert)