Publications

Medco E&P Natuna has several marginal field developments; the challenges in marginal field development are low reserves, shorter production lifetime, tight project schedule, and low capital cost. For improving the economics of project development, a fit-for-purpose design and a new project execution strategy are required to achieve an optimized project schedule and cost. One solution for marginal fields is a minimum facility platform (MFP) with a fit-for-purpose design for topsides and substructure. As reflected in current facilities in Block B, Medco E&P Natuna has no experience building and operating an MFP and the paper describes the process of technology selection, design concept, project challenges, construction, and installation strategy of a recent Medco MFP offshore project. Several new technologies, both for topsides and substructure, have been applied in the Medco offshore project in 2022, even the substructure design is the first implemented in Indonesia. It is a modular braced monopod; the concept of a modular braced monopod has the benefit of reducing offshore lifting weight, so it only requires a small crane barge. To execute the project with this new technology, it requires a specific project and construction strategy, a comprehensive installation procedure, and an assessment of acceptance criteria. The Medco offshore project described in this paper has completed the fabrication and installation of two wellhead platforms in 12 months from the first steel cut until installation, with a maximum offshore lifting weight of around 450 tons only for a water depth of 78m. The project has successfully designed and constructed the first MFP in Natuna Block B using fit-for-purpose technology for unlocking marginal fields, improving the project economics, and delivering gas in 2022. In addition, the initiatives have provided lessons learned to the organization, which could be used as a reference for other marginal field development projects in Medco Offshore.