KTJ Project Faces Key Upgrade Challenge in Produced Water Treatment System

Technical Feasibility Confirmed

Finder Energy Holdings Limited has announced the successful completion of Phase 1 engineering studies for the redeployment of the Petrojarl I Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel to its Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil fields. The studies, conducted by Amplus Energy and specialist contractors, affirm that the vessel is technically fit-for-purpose to support production rates of approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day under various operating scenarios.

Key to this assessment was the vessel’s ability to handle increasing water cuts over the field’s life, with the produced water treatment system identified as the primary area requiring upgrades. These modifications are expected to be manageable and focused, involving debottlenecking and optimisation to improve system performance and reduce operational loads.

Structural Integrity and Mooring Design

The independent fatigue assessment confirmed that the vessel’s structural integrity remains robust under Timor Sea conditions, with no material reduction in fatigue life anticipated. Routine repairs and inspections will precede redeployment, ensuring operational safety and reliability. Additionally, the conceptual mooring system design supports the necessary subsea infrastructure layout, with further optimisation planned to balance cost and design load criteria.

Power and Environmental Pathways

Electrical generation capacity on the Petrojarl I is sufficient to meet peak demand without major upgrades, simplifying the transition process. On the regulatory front, Finder Energy has defined a clear environmental and permitting pathway, including a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This proactive approach aligns with the company’s target to reach a final investment decision (FID) by mid-2026, aiming to deliver first oil by late 2027.

Strategic Implications

CEO Damon Neaves highlighted that securing the Petrojarl I early in the project timeline is a strategic move to accelerate development and mitigate infrastructure risks. The Phase 1 findings provide confidence in the vessel’s redeployment, while Phase 2 engineering will focus on detailed design, optimisation, and vendor engagement to refine cost estimates and project scheduling.

Overall, this update marks a significant milestone for Finder Energy’s KTJ Project, demonstrating tangible progress towards commercialisation and production readiness in a competitive offshore environment.