Fossil Energy
PTTEP has successfully achieved Thailand’s first Total Wellhead Platform Reuse.
She did this by redeploying an entire decommissioned petroleum wellhead platform as a complete structure.
The initiative demonstrates a tangible approach to maximizing the value of existing assets while reducing execution timelines, optimizing costs, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the principles of the circular economy and the company’s sustainability commitments.
Mr Montri Rawanchaikul, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP), said that, in petroleum production, wellhead platforms that remain structurally sound and safe can be reused when resources in the field are depleted, maximising their value and extending their utilisation.
PTTEP has therefore integrated the circular economy concept with engineering expertise and advanced technology to enable the Total Wellhead Platform Reuse, redeploying an entire wellhead platform as a complete structure. The first implementation was carried out at the Jakrawan K wellhead platform (JKWK), in the Funan field under the G1/61 Project.
The topside, jacket, and selected pile sections were relocated and reinstalled for use within the same field. This reduced the overall construction and installation period to only six months, down from approximately 20 months for a newly built platform, or around 70%. Additionally, the approach cut construction costs by approximately 35–50% compared with constructing an entirely new wellhead platform.
In particular, the initiative is also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 3,270 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per platform, by reducing the use of steel and other equipment required for constructing a new platform. In this operation, PTTEP used the wet tow method to relocate the jacket.
This helped to reduce energy consumption and minimise the impact on the marine life that had become attached to the platform structure. This approach strikes a balance between energy production and marine environmental stewardship.
“This achievement reflects the practical application of circular economy principles in petroleum exploration and production operations. It marks the first time in Thailand that a wellhead platform has been fully reused as a complete structure, demonstrating an efficient and optimized resource utilization. The initiative helps shorten operational timelines, reduce the need for new resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, it has created value across multiple dimensions, including economic benefits, energy security, and environmental sustainability,” said Mr. Montri.
Building on this achievement, PTTEP will continue expanding this initiative. During 2027–2029, the company expects to reuse approximately 10 additional wellhead platforms that remain structurally sound and have passed safety assessments. This effort will further enhance resource efficiency and expand the application of circular economy concept across the operations. PTTEP continues to advance sustainable operations while contributing to long-term energy security and environmental responsibility.
