Dutch Fugro has won a contract to perform a survey program offshore Timor-Leste that will support the planning and development of critical offshore energy infrastructure associated with two gas developments.
The offshore survey program will see Fugro deliver an extensive site characterization initiative. This program will encompass various modern methodologies, including geophysical and seismic surveys, along with the utilization of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to explore and assess the seabed for the Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan gas developments. The survey area is significant, featuring deepwater regions where depths exceed 3,000 meters, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for underwater exploration.
Through this program, Fugro aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of seabed conditions and geotechnical characteristics. This information is critical for multiple aspects of infrastructure planning, including pipeline routing, engineering design, and geohazard assessments. Ultimately, this data will support the safe and efficient execution of offshore operations, reinforcing the project’s commitment to rigorous safety and environmental standards.
Fugro’s operations will leverage advanced AUV technology, which facilitates high-resolution mapping and data collection, combined with real-time support from the company’s remote operations centers. The data will be further processed and rigorously quality-controlled at Fugro’s regional data centers located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Perth, Australia. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the survey results will be accurate and reliable for the ongoing developmental work.
Project mobilization and planning activities are expected to kick off in the third quarter of 2026, leading to the commencement of offshore survey operations in the fourth quarter. The field campaign is projected to last approximately three months and will include a diverse range of survey activities across both development areas, thereby providing a robust framework for the impending gas projects.
“This award reflects our client’s confidence in Fugro’s ability to execute complex offshore survey programmes in challenging marine environments,” emphasizes Safri Drahman, APAC Regional Business Line Director at Fugro. He elaborates, “By combining advanced geophysical, seismic, and AUV technologies with our strong regional expertise, we will deliver the critical Geo-data needed to support the safe and successful development of this strategically important energy infrastructure.”
The Bayu-Undan project, a gas-condensate field, is strategically located 250 kilometers south of East Timor within Timor-Leste’s maritime exclusive jurisdiction. Since commencing production in 2004, the project has seen several extensions, with the most recent being the seventh extension of the production sharing contract (PSC). This longstanding operational history highlights the site’s importance in meeting regional energy demands.
In addition to Bayu-Undan, the Greater Sunrise development is also noteworthy. Located approximately 140 kilometers south of Timor-Leste, this project includes the Sunrise and Troubadour gas and condensate fields, which were discovered as far back as 1974. With significant resources amounting to 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and 226 million barrels of condensate, the Greater Sunrise development is expected to begin producing natural gas between 2028 and 2030. The project’s stakeholders include TIMOR GAP with a commanding 56.56% share, Woodside Energy holding 33.44%, and Osaka Gas with 10% share.
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