Valeura Energy Inc. has successfully concluded an eight-well drilling campaign at its Nong Yao field in the offshore Gulf of Thailand. This campaign marked a significant milestone for the company, as it included the first-ever multi-lateral development well in the region. Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO of Valeura Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the campaign’s success and its implications for future operations.
The drilling campaign targeted the Nong Yao field, where Valeura holds a 90% operated working interest. The programme included one appraisal well and seven horizontal development wells. Notably, the NYA-42ST1H well set a new record for the longest horizontal lateral drilled in the Gulf of Thailand, measuring an impressive 4,960 feet. These efforts have led to a substantial increase in oil production, with rates rising from 8,870 barrels per day to approximately 10,500 barrels per day.
The Breakthrough of Multi-Lateral Drilling
One of the most groundbreaking achievements of this campaign was the successful execution of Valeura’s first multi-lateral well, NYB-02ST1. This innovative approach involved constructing a complex junction point from which two separate horizontal production legs were drilled, each targeting different reservoir intervals. This level of complexity had never been attempted in Thailand before.
The multi-lateral approach allows for the production of oil from two separate development targets while occupying only one well slot on the wellhead facility. This method aligns with Valeura’s goal to maximize the production potential of its facilities and access as much reservoir as possible. The company sees significant potential for multi-lateral drilling across its portfolio and is evaluating its forward drilling schedule to identify suitable candidates for this technique on other Gulf of Thailand fields.
Future Drilling Plans and Expansion
Following the success at the Nong Yao field, Valeura’s contracted drilling rig has been mobilized to the Jasmine field (block B5/27, 100% interest). The company plans to conduct a five-well drilling programme there, which will include three single-bore development wells and a two-wellbore multi-lateral development well. This continued investment in advanced drilling technologies underscores Valeura’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in its operations.
Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company focused on the exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and Türkiye. The company is dedicated to delivering value-accretive growth for all stakeholders, underpinned by high standards of environmental, social, and governance responsibility. For more information, visit the company’s website at .
