KrisEnergy Ltd. said on Oct. 20 it has made a final investment decision to proceed with the first phase of development for the Apsara oil field, the first hydrocarbon development project in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Located in Cambodia Block A in the Gulf of Thailand, Phase 1A of the Apsara development envisages a single unmanned minimum facility 24-slot wellhead platform producing to a moored production barge capable of processing up to 30,000 barrels of fluid per day with gas, oil and water separation facilities on the vessel.

Oil will be sent via a 1.5 km pipeline for storage to a permanently moored FPSO vessel.

KrisEnergy is the operator of Cambodia Block A and holds 95% working interest. The General Department of State Property and Non Tax Revenue of the Ministry of Economy and Finance holds the remaining 5% on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

The Cambodia Block A contract area covers 3,083 sq. km (1190 sq. miles) over the Khmer Basin in the Gulf of Thailand where water depths range between 50 meters (164 ft) and 80 meters (262 ft).

Once the initial Phase 1A platform is on stream, there will be a period to monitor reservoir performance before commencing Phase 1B, which envisages up to three additional platforms producing to the Phase 1A facilities. A Phase 1C will potentially add up to six additional platforms for the full 10-platform Apsara development.