Project Overview

FPSO Marlin Natuna is a remodeled tanker into a Floating Production, Storage, & Offloading (FPSO) vessel. It is positioned on the Forel Field, a part of Natuna Block B in Indonesia’s first driven FPSO Tanker. It helps meet domestic needs & boost oil & gas production off the coast of Indonesia.

The vessel has a production capacity of 10,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) & can store up to 250,000 barrels. It is of a total length of 183.23 meters (approximately 601.15 feet) and a beam of 30 meters (approximately 100 feet). Furthermore, it comprises a draught length of 8 meters (approximately 26 feet) & has a deadweight capacity of 41,460 tonnes. 

Project Location

The FPSO Marlin Natuna is installed at the Forel & Terbuk Fields within the South Natuna Sea Block B. The field is located Offshore Indonesia in the Riau Islands Province at a water depth of approximately 91 m. 

Project Background

Initially built in 1922 as a crude oil tanker, the FPSO Marlin Natuna was converted into a vessel in 2024. To complete the project, Indonesian and international partners worked together, including SKK Migas (Indonesia's upstream oil and gas regulatory body), Medco E&P Natuna (an Indonesian private oil and gas company), Hanochem Tiaka Samudera, and MTC Engineering from Malaysia.

The conversion was carried out at the Singapore Shipbuilder’s Batam shipyard, and is a pivotal step in meeting Indonesia’s energy demand and making it an independent & self-sufficient industry.

FPSO Marlin Natuna Conversion

The crude oil tanker was converted into an FPSO Vessel, named Marlin Natuna. It is Indonesia’s first-generation conversion, playing a key role in Indonesia’s energy sector. It was repurposed in 2024 by PaxOcean shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, with Indonesian partners (SKK Migas and Medco E&P Natuna) and Malaysia-based MTC Engineering. The conversion costs the total investment of USD 236 million. 

First FPSO Marlin Natuna Production

First FPSO Marlin Natuna delivered its first FPSO Production in late 2024. The FPSO vessel is managing both the oil production & natural gas processing with a total capacity to process up to 43 million standard cubic feet per day. 

With a total oil production capacity of 10,000 barrels per day, the facility has a total storage capacity of 250,000 barrels. The oil can be stored and transferred safely to export tankers, ensuring minimal production downtime and optimizing logistics.

The FPSO Marlin Natuna’s oil production contributed to the success of the Forel Project by improving production and reliability of South Natuna Block B, and setting a new benchmark for future FPSO deployments in the region.

Project Timeline

Project Cost & Financing Details

The total estimated cost for the FPSO Marlin Natuna is approximately USD 236 million. The broader total investment amounts to USD 600 million & includes infrastructure & related developments.

According to Medco, its first-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled USD 332 million, exceeding the fourth quarter in 2024 "largely due to aggressive cost management and partially offset by seasonal gas demand".

Design & Engineering Details

FPSO Marlin Natuna Contractors

Current Status & Latest News

Lets take a look at the latest updates of FPSO Marlin Natuna in 2025.

Two Oil & Gas Fields Came Online Offshore Indonesia

Medco E&P Natuna led two oil & gas Forel & Terbuk fields in the South Natuna Sea off the coast of Indonesia. Prabowo Subianto, President of the Republic of Indonesia, inaugurated the production of these two fields in the South Natuna Sea Block B at Riau Island, off the coast of Indonesia. As a result, Indonesia was able to increase its energy security. 

The event was held in the presence of Bahlil Lahadalia, Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), along with Djoko Siswanto, SKK Migas’ Chairman; Hilmi Panigoro, President Director of MedcoEnergi; and Ronald Gunawan, President Director of Medco E&P. 

Conclusion

The FPSO Marlin Natuna is a transformative offshore project of Indonesia. It not only highlights technical ingenuity and operational efficiency but also spotlights Indonesia’s commitment to advancing regional energy security and sustainable resource management.

The project's successful production at the Forel & Terbuk fields has guaranteed reliable, efficient export logistics for South Natuna Block B. Moreover, the local content policy has benefited Indonesia's maritime and energy sectors, strengthening its industrial base for future offshore projects.

Overall, the FPSO Marlin Natuna project sets a benchmark for innovative and collaborative offshore field development in Indonesia. With its achievements, the nation has solidified its reputation as a competitive and capable player in the global oil and gas arena. 

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