JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 26 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) recently hosted a workshop session with representatives from PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd. (PCSB) and PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd. (PRSB) at the UTM–Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) Institute for Oil and Gas (N29a), Johor Bahru, to explore research collaboration and prepare for a joint technical workshop on sustainable drilling technologies for the oil and gas industry. The engagement aims to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry in addressing emerging technical and environmental challenges in offshore drilling operations, while identifying potential research initiatives that bridge academic innovation with real industry needs.

The PETRONAS delegation comprised Principal for Fluid Engineering M. Solehuddin B. A. Razak; Senior Manager for Fluid Technology Solution Dr. Khalik Mohamad Sabil; Staff Researcher in Molecular Chemistry Dr. Farah Fazlina M. Yasin; and representatives from Technology and Digital Upstream, namely Manager Nurul Izza Mohamad Zan and Executive Muhammad Farhan Syauqi Mohd Ridzuan. Their participation reflects the integration of operational and research expertise within PETRONAS, providing valuable insights that help align academic research with practical challenges in upstream oil and gas operations.

One of the key research initiatives discussed during the session is led by Senior Lecturer, Dr. Aminah Qayyimah Mohd Aji from the Petroleum Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering (FKT), UTM. The research focuses on the development of a cost-effective green-based drilling fluid derived from palm-based feedstock, which has the potential to serve as a more sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic-based drilling fluids widely used in offshore drilling operations.

The project also involves collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to support the supply of palm-based feedstock while strengthening the integration of Malaysia’s local resources into advanced energy technologies. The research further leverages catalytic technology developed at UTM to improve the efficiency of producing palm ester-based drilling fluids while maintaining the performance required for complex drilling environments.

The project is expected to commence in June 2026, beginning with laboratory-scale formulation and performance evaluation of the drilling fluid system. At this stage, the research will focus on advancing the technology towards Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4, where the drilling fluid will be validated through laboratory testing that simulates real drilling conditions. Following successful laboratory validation, the research team aims to progress towards pilot-scale development and ultimately conduct field-scale testing by the end of 2027. The field trial is planned to be carried out in an operating well in Peninsular Malaysia in collaboration with industry partners to evaluate the drilling fluid’s operational performance, environmental compliance, and cost-effectiveness under actual drilling conditions.

The multidisciplinary research team supporting the project includes Dr. Nurul Adilah Manshor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norzita Ngadi, Dr. Chong Aik Shye, Dr. Kenny Anak Ganie and Dr. Mohd Shahrizan Moslan, reflecting strong collaboration between petroleum engineering and chemical engineering expertise at UTM.

With this collaboration, UTM continues to strengthen its role in advancing industry-relevant research and sustainable technological innovation, while supporting Malaysia’s efforts to develop more environmentally responsible solutions for the energy sector. Following the technical discussions and laboratory visit, the engagement concluded with an iftar gathering, providing an opportunity for delegates from UTM and PETRONAS to further strengthen professional ties in a more informal setting. The gathering also allowed researchers and representatives from both institutions to continue exchanging ideas on potential collaboration and future research initiatives involving palm-based technologies for sustainable energy applications.