Gas
Conrad Asia Energy advances Mako gas project with rig delivery
Conrad Asia Energy has received a donor rig at an Indonesian shipyard for conversion into a mobile offshore production unit to support the Mako gas development.
Key points
- The Valaris 104 rig arrived at PaxOcean's shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, for MOPU conversion.
- A gas sales agreement with PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia is now active for Mako's entire output.
- The project targets first gas production in the fourth quarter of 2027.
What happened
Conrad Asia Energy has reached multiple milestones for the Mako gas project within the Duyung production sharing contract in the West Natuna Sea, according to Offshore Energy. A 2002-built jack-up rig, named Valaris 104, has arrived at PaxOcean's facility in Batam, Indonesia. The asset will undergo conversion into a mobile offshore production unit to facilitate natural gas output.
According to the report, the project operator West Natuna Exploration Limited and partner PT Nations Natuna Barat coordinated the transit of the rig, which completed its journey through the Strait of Hormuz in September. Additionally, the gas-in commissioning for the West Natuna Transportation System-Pemping subsea pipeline has been safely completed.
Why it matters
Offshore Energy reported that the gas sales agreement between Conrad and PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia covers the entire output of the Mako field. The supply will bolster electricity reliability in Batam, driven by growing power needs from the regional data centre sector.
Executive Chairman Peter Botten noted that the development remains on budget, with first gas expected in late 2027. Repurposing an existing rig helps accelerate timelines compared to building a new facility from scratch.
What comes next
Fabrication work for the production unit topside modules is slated to begin with a formal cutting ceremony in early November. Engineering and procurement activities for the conductor support frame and subsea infrastructure packages continue according to schedule.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
21.9% of electricity in the world came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
