PETRONAS, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), and Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PETROVIETNAM) signed a Key Principles Agreement (KPA) to extend the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and Upstream Gas Sales Agreement (UGSA) for the PM3 Commercial Arrangement Area (CAA) for another 20 years.

Covering more than 2,000 km2 of offshore fields straddling the maritime border of Malaysia and Vietnam, the PM3 CAA is a prime showcase of enduring cross-border collaboration. This milestone underscores the strong bilateral ties and shared commitment between both countries towards energy security and affordability.

The KPA was signed in Hanoi by PETRONAS Senior Vice President of MPM, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, and PETROVIETNAM Vice President, Le Manh Cuong. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Dato' Tan Yang Thai, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Suhaili Ismail, Minister Counsellor (Economics). Also in attendance were representatives from Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia (PM3) Limited, Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia Limited (HML), PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PETRONAS Carigali) and PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation Limited (PVEP).

Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong remarked, “With an estimated remaining reserve of up to 60 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBoe), the abundant hydrocarbon resources in PM3 CAA plays a key role in contributing towards sustainable energy security in the region. The agreement underscores the unwavering commitment from both PETRONAS and PETROVIETNAM to further enhance their long-term collaboration which has been crucial to the progress of PM3, from exploration, development to eventual monetisation of the resources.”

The KPA sets the framework for the continuation of the PSC and UGSA until 31 December 2047, ensuring production continuity across seven fields and unlocking further potential PM3 CAA. The PM3 CAA PSC facilities are also positioned as a strategic hub to support tie-ins from nearby discoveries – optimising asset utilisation and reinforcing energy security in both Malaysia and Vietnam.

The domestic market UGSA has been structured to maintain the economic viability of future gas field developments. Key terms for a new UGSA will ensure continued supply to Malaysia via Kertih and to Vietnam via Ca Mau, supporting national energy demands of both countries.

The PM3 CAA is also expected to include plans for the reinjection of carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced from petroleum production activities – positioning the area as a potential hub for CO₂ sequestration. This approach supports the net-zero aspirations of both countries’ net-zero ambitions by 2050.

PETRONAS remains committed to ensuring a sustainable supply of oil and gas for energy security, with MPM playing a crucial role in managing petroleum arrangements and overseeing upstream petroleum activities in Malaysia.

About Petronas

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) is a global energy company committed to producing and delivering energy and solutions needed to advance society responsibly and sustainably.

As Malaysia’s national oil and gas company, we safeguard and manage the nation’s hydrocarbon resources. Our aim is to maximise value through our integrated business model to meet the energy needs of the nation and our customers across the globe. Our portfolio includes oil and gas, petrochemicals, petroleum products, as well as a range of cleaner energy solutions.

Ensuring sustainable practices across our operations is important to how we conduct our business. Our goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and we strive to be a valuable partner to our stakeholders in transitioning to a lower carbon energy future in a just and responsible manner.

About Petrovietnam

Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam or PVN), formerly the Vietnam Oil and Gas General Department, is a state-owned corporation established on September 3, 1975. Petrovietnam operates in the energy sector, including oil, gas, and renewable energy. With more than 40 years of development, Petrovietnam has grown into a fully integrated business covering exploration and production, refining and petrochemicals, the gas industry, gas-to-power/fertilizer, and petroleum technical services. As a leading corporation, the group plays a key role in driving national economic growth, developing highly qualified human resources, promoting international integration, and expanding overseas investment.