Eni Launches Gas Production from Merakes East Field in Indonesia’s Kutei Basin

Eni Launches Gas Production from Merakes East Field in Indonesia’s Kutei Basin

(IN BRIEF) Eni has successfully launched gas production from the Merakes East field in Indonesia’s Kutei basin, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion efforts in Southeast Asia. The field will provide up to 100 MMSCFD of gas, contributing to Eni’s increasing production capacity in the region. This new production is part of a broader strategy to maximize the value of Indonesia’s gas resources, which includes other ongoing developments like the Maha field and Gendalo-Gendang fields. Eni is also collaborating with SKK Migas and is in discussions with PETRONAS to form a joint venture, positioning itself as a major player in the LNG market. The company has been operating in Indonesia since 2001, with a strong portfolio across exploration and production.

(PRESS RELEASE) MILAN, 14-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Eni has officially commenced gas production from its Merakes East field, located in the Kutei basin, offshore Indonesia. Situated in the East Sepinggan block (Eni 85%, Operator), the Merakes East field will contribute up to 100 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas, equivalent to approximately 18,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) to Eni’s overall production.

The Merakes East field is positioned at a water depth of 1,600 meters, roughly 10 kilometers east of the existing Merakes Field. The gas produced is being tied back via a subsea connection to the Jangkrik Floating Production Unit (FPU), operated by Eni, approximately 50 kilometers away. This development marks a significant milestone as the field was brought on production just two years following the final investment decision (FID), exemplifying the fast-track development strategy employed by Eni.

After initial processing aboard the FPU, the gas will be transferred via a pipeline network to supply both the domestic market and the Bontang liquefaction plant. The Bontang plant, a key asset, plays an essential role in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) for both Indonesia’s internal market and for export.

The successful startup of Merakes East is another crucial step in Eni’s ongoing strategy to unlock the substantial gas resources of Indonesia’s Kutei Basin. This achievement follows the ongoing development of the Maha field and the recent approval of the Plans of Development for the Northern Hub and the Gendalo-Gendang fields. It also highlights the productive collaboration between Eni and SKK Migas, Indonesia’s upstream regulator, ensuring the expansion of domestic gas supply and the utilization of existing infrastructure, such as the Bontang LNG plant.

Eni’s position as a leading operator in the Kutei basin continues to solidify, with future projections indicating the company’s plans to produce up to 2 billion cubic feet per day (BCFD) of gas and 90,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) of condensate once the North Hub and Gendalo-Gendang fields are operational. Furthermore, Eni has entered talks with PETRONAS to form a joint venture, which is expected to significantly enhance the companies’ presence in the LNG market by combining 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in reserves and an additional 10 billion boe of exploration potential across Indonesia and Malaysia.

Eni has been operating in Indonesia since 2001, and currently holds a diverse portfolio of exploration, development, and production assets in the country, with a production level of around 700 MMSCFD in East Kalimantan.

Media Contacts:

Press Office
+39.0252031875 – +39.0659822030
ufficio.stampa@eni.com

Freephone for shareholders (from Italy)
800940924
segreteriasocietaria.azionisti@eni.com

SOURCE: Eni