(EnergyAsia, October 28 2011, Friday) — US major Chevron Corp said its Thailand subsidiary has started producing natural gas from the Platong II project in the Gulf of Thailand.

The US$3.1 billion project is expected to raise production of natural gas to 330 million cubic feet per day and of natural gas liquids to 18,000 b/d. The natural gas will feed the country’s growing demand for energy, increasing its domestic production by more than 10%, and boosting Chevron’s net natural gas production from the Gulf of Thailand by more than 20%.

George Kirkland, vice chairman of Chevron Corporation, said:

“Platong II is one of Chevron’s many developments in the region that will allow us to supply safe, reliable and affordable energy to meet (Asia’s energy) need.”

Melody Meyer, president of Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company, said:

“From the start-up of the first natural gas field in the Gulf of Thailand 30 years ago, to Platong II, Chevron has worked in close partnership with the Kingdom to develop the energy industry, building a foundation for energy security and long-term economic development.”

Chevron’s Thailand subsidiary is operator and holds a 69.9% interest in Platong II, with the remaining interest held by Mitsui Oil Exploration Co Ltd (27.4%) and PTT Exploration and Production Public Co Ltd (2.7%).

The development, located in shallow water 200 km from Thailand’s southern coastline, is one of Southeast Asia’s largest offshore structures. New facilities, which will be connected to the current processing infrastructure at the Platong Field, include a central processing platform, pipelines, four initial wellhead platforms, and living quarters for 200 people.