Timor-Leste has initiated a tender for a metocean study to support two major energy projects: the Greater Sunrise gas field development and the redevelopment of the Bayu-Undan field. This study is a critical step for planning the associated pipeline infrastructure.

Tender Details and Project Background

The Timor-Leste National Procurement Commission (CNA) is managing the tender, which has a maximum budget of US$5.61 million and a 17-month duration. The study will cover the routes for both the Greater Sunrise gas export pipeline and the Bayu-Undan pipeline highway off the country's south coast. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 20 January, with technical and financial proposals due by 3 March.

Greater Sunrise Project Development

The Greater Sunrise project, discovered over 50 years ago, reached a pivotal agreement in November. Operator Woodside Energy will now send production to Timor-Leste instead of Darwin, Australia. The fields hold substantial resources of 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and 226 million barrels of condensate. Following the agreement, Woodside signed a cooperation agreement with Timor-Leste's Ministry of Petroleum to mature the concept for "Timor LNG," a 5 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas project. The first LNG cargo could be produced between 2032 and 2035, pending concept selection and final investment decision. The project partnership consists of Woodside (33.44%), state-owned Timor GAP (56.56%), and Osaka Gas (10%).

Government Funding and Strategic Planning

In early November, the Timor-Leste government authorized a US$16 million budget through 2027 for the Ministry of Petroleum. This funding is designated for Greater Sunrise development and for completing essential studies, including ultra-high-resolution geophysical and seismic surveys for the pipelines. These surveys are deemed vital for the project's technical and planning phase.

Bayu-Undan Redevelopment and Pipeline Network

The Bayu-Undan field, formerly Timor-Leste's sole producing asset, is now targeted for redevelopment by the nation. Authorities envision this redevelopment as the starting point for a new offshore gas pipeline. Plans indicate a potential new 250-kilometre subsea pipeline from Bayu-Undan to Natarbora on the south coast. This pipeline could also connect to the Chuditch gas discovery, operated by Sunda Energy, and to the Greater Sunrise fields. A cooperation agreement for the pipeline design was signed in May 2025 between the ministry, Timor GAP, and Swiss company StreamTec Solutions.

Industry Perspectives

Sunda Energy's chief executive acknowledged the progress on these offshore gas developments. Woodside Energy indicated it had no updates beyond its November statement. Upstream also sought comment from Timor GAP.