The Valaris 104 MOPU conversion programme has advanced with the jack-up’s arrival at PaxOcean’s Batam yard in Indonesia. Conrad Asia Energy confirmed the delivery in its 13 October 2026 project update. The rig will become a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU) for the Mako gas development.
Topside module fabrication has started. The company aims to hold the formal first-cut ceremony in early November. Now at the yard, the rig can enter the next stage of conversion and equipment integration. Engineering and procurement remain aligned with the timetable for both the conductor support frame (CSF) and the subsea umbilical, riser and flowline (SURF) packages.
Built in 2002, Valaris 104 was acquired from Valaris for production service after several years out of drilling operations. Valaris had sold the unit for non-drilling use.
The rig passed through the Strait of Hormuz in September before continuing to Batam. MOPU contractor PT Duta Marine/PT Pakarti Tirtoagung (Duta Marine) hired GAC Logistics for the passage. Preparations involved authorities in the region, naval task forces, classification bodies and marine warranty surveyors. Conrad said preparations before departure covered insurance arrangements, technical clearances and the required passage plans.
Mako’s commercial arrangements also progressed. The gas sales agreement with PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has taken effect, committing the buyer to 100% of the field’s gas production. All conditions precedent were fulfilled, including consent from PT PLN (Persero), the buyer’s parent.
The WNTS–Pemping subsea pipeline underwent gas-in commissioning at the beginning of October. Conrad described the operation as safe and smooth. The connection forms part of the route planned for Mako gas deliveries to Batam through the West Natuna Transportation System (WNTS).
Mako is in the Duyung production sharing contract area in the West Natuna Sea. West Natuna Exploration Limited (WNEL), a Conrad subsidiary, operates the asset. Its partner, PT Nations Natuna Barat, is a subsidiary of PT Nations Petroleum.
Conrad says the development is within its budget and continues to target initial gas production in the fourth quarter of 2027. Executive chairman Peter Botten linked increasing power requirements in the Singapore–Johor–Riau region, including Batam, partly to data centre expansion. Conrad and its partner are assessing options for additional gas supplies from Duyung to serve that demand.
