KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 17): Petronas, or Petroliam Nasional Bhd, has achieved first gas at its maiden floating floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility — PFLNG SATU — from the Kanowit gas field, offshore Sarawak, on Monday.

In a statement today, Petronas said the introduction from the KAKG-A central processing platform at the field, ignited PFLNG SATU flare tower at the height of 130 metres, proving its echnological aspirations to unlock gas reserves in Malaysia’s remote and stranded gas fields. 

The first gas milestone signified the commencement of commissioning and startup for the floating LNG facility that will soon progress towards commercial operations and first cargo, said Petronas Acting Vice President LNG Assets, Development & Production Adnan Zainal Abidin.

“We have come a long way with our partners to deliver a game changer in the global LNG business. The shared vision for PFLNG SATU to monetise gas resources uneconomical to develop via conventional means, is an achievement all can be proud of,” he added. 

PFLNG SATU made its 2,120 nautical mile journey from Okpo, South Korea, to the Kanowit gas field on May 14, for the offshore phase of its commissioning.

Fitted with an external turret for water-depths between 70 metres and 200 metres deep, it extracts natural gas via a flexible subsea pipeline for the liquefaction, production, storage and offloading processes of LNG at the offshore gas field, the statement further read. 

PFLNG SATU can be redeployed to multiple locations to better access marginal and stranded gas fields, as it is designed to last for up to 20 years, without dry-docking.

"PFLNG SATU will introduce a new play type to complement Petronas’ global LNG portfolio and enhance its reputation as a preferred and reliable LNG supplier," said Petronas.