Malaysia’s PETRONAS has been operating in Turkmenistan since 1996, contributing to the development of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea. Over the past 30 years, the company has established production infrastructure that includes offshore platforms, a gas processing plant and a coastal terminal in Kiyanly, according to the news agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”.

PETRONAS’s future plans focus on improving the efficiency of existing facilities, introducing digital technologies, reducing emissions and training local professionals.

One of the company’s key assets is Block I in Turkmenistan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. The main priorities include ensuring safe production, upgrading equipment, optimising operating costs and improving infrastructure reliability.

In 2024, PETRONAS unveiled a five-year technology roadmap aimed at introducing advanced solutions into its production processes. Key priorities include digitalisation, remote inspections and improvements to the maintenance of offshore facilities.

The company also plans to improve energy efficiency across its operations and develop environmental monitoring systems, with a particular focus on reducing emissions.

Training local specialists remains another important area of activity. According to PETRONAS, Turkmen citizens account for around 90% of the workforce at PC(T)SB. More than 1,100 local specialists have completed professional training, while 188 students have received educational support at the PETRONAS University of Technology. Another 235 technicians and specialists have undergone training at INSTEP.

In addition to its production projects, the company implements educational and community initiatives. These include STEM education programmes, English-language and information technology training, as well as environmental projects.

PETRONAS’s future cooperation with Turkmenistan will focus on modernising existing facilities, introducing new technologies and developing local talent. The company also sees opportunities to expand its partnership in the country’s energy sector.