Gumusut-Kakap

Shell has been a leader in deep-water exploration and production for the last 30 years. The Gumusut-Kakap field
offshore Malaysia lies in water depth up to 1,220 metres (4,000 feet) deep. Shell has a 33% interest in this
development.

Key facts

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Location:

Sabah, Malaysia

Depth:

~1,220 metres

Interests:

Shell 33% (operator), ConocoPhillips Sabah 33%, Petronas Carigali 20%,

Murphy Sabah Oil 14%

Fields:

Gumusut

Design
capacity:

150 kbbl/d

Other major deep-water

projects

Key
contractors:

MISC Berhad, FMC Technologies, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering,

Atwood Oceanics, JP Kenny

Discover more about our major

deep water projects in the USA
and Brazil.

Project development
Development drilling began in January 2008. Early production started at the field in November,
2012. This was ahead of engineers completing the floating production system (FPS) by linking
Gumusut-Kakaps production wells to the Kikeh production facility, the countrys first deep-water
development, operated by Murphy Sabah Oil. This early production is an interim measure to bring
25,000 barrels a day on stream ahead of completing the FPS.
The semi-submersible production facility was secured to the seabed at the Gumusut-Kakap field in
June 2013. In September, the final riser to carry oil and gas to the platform was hooked up.
Shell has operated in the region for over 120 years. Gumusut-Kakap is Shells first deep water
development in Malaysia.

Technology
The Gumusut-Kakap field is the first deep-water opportunity for Shell in Malaysia. Sabah Shell
Petroleum Company is the operator of the development, which will employ Malaysias first deepwater semi-submersible production system. The field will be developed using 19 subsea wells with
oil exported via a pipeline to a new oil and gas terminal, which will be built in Kimanis, Sabah. The
production system will have a design capacity of 150,000 bbl/d and an expected production of
135,000 bbl/d at peak. Natural gas that is produced along with the oil will be re-injected into the
reservoir to help improve oil recovery.
The project safely completed a record-breaking 23,000-tonne superlift in March 2012, by raising
the platforms topsides 45 metres (nearly 150 feet) above ground while the 17,500-tonne hull was
moved underneath them. The combined weight of the production system is equivalent to 1,200
Boeing 737s.

Environment and society

In Malaysia, Shell continues to run major social investment programmes focused on capacity
building, environmental conservation and community development.
Located offshore Sabah, the Gumusut-Kakap development area is particularly rich in yellow-fin
tuna. Shell and the Sabah Department of Fisheries are working together on a project to enhance
fishing stocks in alternative areas for local fishermen.
Shell is also leading and supporting activities to promote environmental awareness in Sarawak and
Sabah; for example, through the SERASI (environmentally-friendly school competition) and
Nature Education Camp programmes for schools.
Shell also supports research and environmental conservation efforts in Sabahs pristine areas in
Danum Valley and Maliau Basin.
Other programmes focus on young people and education. Shell funds hundreds of Malaysian
university students every year through its scholarship programme. It also supports a programme
together with the Sarawak Education Department that trains welders, helping to meet industry
shortfalls for this skill pool.

DISCOVER MORE

Parque das Conchas (BC10), Brazil

Perdido, USA

Deep-water milestones

Related press releases

20 Nov 2012 - Deep-water Gumusut-Kakap field commences production

Related links
Visit the Shell in Malaysia website and learn more about our social and environmental activities in
the country.