EnQuest takes first dip as operator offshore Brunei

The Petroleum Authority of Brunei Darussalam has awarded EnQuest a production sharing agreement for Block C offshore Brunei, Malaysia.

Initially EnQuest EP will operate the concession, but the company will likely form a 50:50 joint venture with Brunei Energy Exploration, which will take on this role.

The focus will be on completing a development plan for the offshore Merpati Field and to take FID on the project within the following two years, allowing work to start in 2027.

First gas could flow in 2029.

Merpati is one of three condensate-rich gas discoveries in the block. All gas and liquids produced from the fields will likely head to the domestic market and the Brunei LNG plant, which supplies international LNG markets.

According to EnQuest, there is increasing focus in Brunei Darussalam on the long-term potential of natural gas, particularly LNG exports.

Recently the company acquired offshore Block 12W in Vietnam from Harbour Energy, as part of a process of expanding activities away from the UK North Sea into Southeast Asia.