Valeura Energy’s Successful Drilling Campaign in Thailand
Canada-based Valeura Energy has recently concluded a pivotal multi-well drilling campaign that has significantly boosted oil production at its Nong Yao field in the Gulf of Thailand. This strategic initiative not only enhances Valeura’s output but also underscores their commitment to advancing technologies in oil extraction.
Overview of the Campaign
The drilling program encompassed eight wells at block G11/48, where Valeura holds a commanding 90% operated working interest. Among these, the company executed its first-ever multi-lateral development well, which has substantial implications for future production capabilities.
Achievements in Drilling
The campaign consisted of one appraisal well that successfully encountered its target and is poised to pave the way for additional development drilling at the Nong Yao A platform. The remaining seven wells were horizontally drilled from both the Nong Yao A and B platforms and have begun producing oil due to their successful targeting of viable production zones. Notably, the NYA-42ST1H well set a record in the Gulf of Thailand, with a remarkable horizontal lateral depth of 4,960 meters.
Boost in Production Rates
As a direct result of this intensive drilling effort and a concurrent well workover campaign on the Nong Yao B and C platforms aimed at optimizing performance, the aggregated oil production from the Nong Yao field surged to approximately 10,500 barrels per day (bbls/d) for the week ending June 16, 2026. This marked a significant jump from previous production rates, which averaged around 8,870 bbls/d just months earlier.
Executive Insights
Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO of Valeura, highlighted the success of this campaign, stating, “We continue to access new oil reservoirs with ongoing drilling and have again increased production from the Nong Yao field, our largest producing asset.” He further emphasized the advantages of multi-lateral drilling, claiming it allows for greater efficiency and innovation within their operations.
The Multi-Lateral Approach
Valeura’s innovative strategy included constructing a complex junction within the NYB-02ST1 well, which allowed for two separate horizontal production legs to be drilled, targeting distinct reservoir intervals. This pioneering effort not only positioned the company at the forefront of drilling technology in Thailand but also maximized production potential while only utilizing one well slot.
Future Plans in the Gulf of Thailand
With the success of the multi-lateral well now under their belt, Valeura is keen to leverage this approach throughout its operations. The company is actively mapping out its future drilling schedule to identify other candidates for multi-lateral drilling across its Gulf of Thailand fields.
The firm’s next focus will be on the Jasmin field in block B5/27, where Valeura plans to implement a five-well drilling program, comprising three single-bore development wells and one multi-lateral development well. This initiative illustrates Valeura’s strategic approach to optimizing resources and expanding its production capabilities.
Drilling Operations and Equipment
Valeura’s partnered with Borr Drilling, utilizing their 2013-built Mist jack-up rig, which has been contracted to assist with drilling operations in Thailand until August 2026. This collaboration not only enhances Valeura’s operational efficiency but also reflects the company’s capacity to execute large-scale drilling campaigns.
Through innovative drilling methods and continued investment in technology, Valeura Energy is not just increasing production but also setting new benchmarks in operational excellence in Southeast Asia’s oil industry.