Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB), a subsidiary of the global energy company Shell plc, has announced the initiation of gas production from its groundbreaking Timi platform in Malaysia, operating under the SK318 production sharing contract (PSC).
The Timi platform is distinguished as Shell’s pioneering wellhead platform in Malaysia that relies on a pioneering solar and wind hybrid power system. Going a step further in sustainability, this unmanned platform boasts a weight reduction of around 60 percent compared to conventional tender-assisted drilling wellhead platforms that are powered by fossil fuels.
Zoe Yujnovich, Shell’s Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, expressed, “Timi demonstrates we are delivering more value with fewer emissions. Bringing the project online is also an example of our focus on performance, discipline, and simplification. It shows our ability to innovate and deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable projects that support a balanced energy transition for Malaysia.”
The Timi platform is meticulously engineered to yield a maximum production of up to 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of gas at its peak performance. The extracted gas will be transported through an 80-kilometer pipeline to the F23 production hub. This significant endeavor contributes to the future growth of the central Luconia area, situated off the coast of Sarawak.
Under the vigilant stewardship of Malaysia Petroleum Management and PETRONAS, Shell remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitate the nation’s economic advancement and energy transition by making strategic and resilient investments.
The Timi platform, a sweet gas field discovered in 2018 as part of the SK318 PSC, is a testament to Shell’s prowess in engineering, early market engagement, and meticulous scoping. These efforts have culminated in a platform that is impressively 60 percent lighter than conventional designs, a hallmark of the company’s dedication to sustainable innovation.
The Timi project is developed under the SK318 PSC, with SSB leading as the operator and holding an equity share of 75 percent. The other collaborative partners include PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd with 15 percent equity and Brunei Energy Exploration with 10 percent.
Strategically located approximately 252 kilometers northwest of Bintulu, Sarawak, and 202 kilometers northwest of Miri, Sarawak, the Timi platform represents another pioneering stride in Malaysia’s energy landscape. Notably, prior to the Timi platform, Shell Malaysia accomplished its first fully solar-powered wellhead platform in the form of the Gorek field, which commenced gas production on May 24, 2020.
Highlighting its ongoing commitment to sustainable energy solutions, in 2022, Shell Malaysia took the momentous step of approving the Rosmari-Marjoram gas project. This ambitious undertaking, the largest integrated offshore and onshore project in Sarawak, will be predominantly powered by renewable energy. The offshore platform is set to leverage the energy from 240 solar panels, while the onshore plant will tap into the Sarawak grid system primarily supplied by hydroelectric power plants.