Jobs in Sour Gas Fields: Contributing to Energy’s Next Frontier

What Are Sour Gas Fields?

What Is Sour Gas?

Sour gas is a natural gas containing hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Characterised by its corrosive properties and distinct rotten egg odour, it has long presented unique technical and financial challenges in energy extraction that left its reserves undeveloped.

The Rosmari-Marjoram Project: Our Largest Sour Fields Project in MY

Through a strategic partnership between Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB), our subsidiary, and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, we are developing the Rosmari-Marjoram gas project, transforming challenging sour gas reserves into valuable energy resources.

Located 220 km off the coast of Bintulu, Sarawak, this project is expected to produce 800 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscf/d) upon its completion in 2026. The infrastructure includes a subsea pipeline stretching over 200 km, one of the longest for sour wet gas.

Sustainability as Our Driving Mission

To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and address the technical aspects of hydrogen sulphide management, we employ innovative technologies to convert sour gas into sweet gas.

This forward-thinking approach combines advanced processing techniques and sustainable practices, including powering the offshore platform with 240 solar panels and connecting the onshore plant to Sarawak’s primarily hydroelectric grid to minimise environmental impact while maximizing energy yield and operational efficiency.

The Role of Sour Gas Fields in the Energy Industry

Growing global industrialisation and urbanisation are outpacing traditional energy sources. To support the transition to lower-carbon energy systems, natural gas, including processed sour gas, is becoming a necessary resource.

When processed, sour gas contributes to energy security and economic development, particularly in regions with substantial reserves, such as Malaysia.

Despite challenges posed by its corrosive properties and toxicity, our advanced technologies and processes, including amine treating and Sulphur recovery units, enable us to safely extract, process, and efficiently use natural gas from these fields.

This processed gas is then used to generate electricity, power industrial processes, and complement the integration of renewables during the transition from coal to cleaner energy sources in ASEAN sources.

The Rosmari-Marjoram Gas Project in Sarawak exemplifies this. With a capacity to supply up to 800 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, it is a major player in meeting Malaysia’s growing energy demands.

At Shell, we are committed to managing such reserves responsibly, with a focus on sustainability. Our approach to sustainability in oil and gas production is detailed in our annual Sustainability Report

, which outlines our efforts to minimise environmental impact and operate responsibly.

Key Education and Skills for Success in Shell’s Sour Gas Field Jobs

Education

An opportunity to work in sour gas operations at Shell Malaysia requires a solid educational foundation that begins with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field. We are looking for candidates who hold a B.A. or higher in:

• Chemical engineering,
• Petroleum engineering,
• Mechanical engineering,
• Environmental science, or
• Occupational health and safety.

Master’s or Ph.D. degrees are a plus; they can lead to specialised roles in research, development, and leadership within our sour gas projects.

Beyond formal education, we value candidates who, undertake supplemental diplomas and certifications to develop practical skills applicable to sour gas operations:

• Process technicians and maintenance specialists are encouraged to pursue technical and vocational education in relevant engineering disciplines or obtain other certifications.
• We encourage fresh graduates to apply to Shell Graduate Programme Malaysia.
• We also place great emphasis on languages. Proficiency in English and Bahasa Malaysia is required for effective communication within our work environment.

Soft Skills

While strong technical expertise is essential in the demanding environment of sour gas operations at Shell Malaysia, specific soft skills are equally critical for contributing to safe, efficient, and innovative energy solutions.

We place great emphasis on individuals who demonstrate skills in:

• Communication and active listening to minimise miscommunication and create a cohesive, positive work environment within our facilities.
• Teamwork and collaboration to work harmoniously within diverse teams and ensure project goals are met without compromising team cohesion.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking to assess situations thoroughly and develop creative approaches to overcome technical challenges.
• Adaptability and flexibility to remain proactive and continuously update one’s knowledge and skills to stay abreast of industry advancements.
• Time management to effectively manage tasks and meet tight deadlines in our project-based environment.
• Cultural awareness to enhance community relations and thrive within our inclusive workplace.
• Leadership and initiative to guide less experienced colleagues, ensure safety, and demonstrate commitment to furthering our energy initiatives.

Experience

Relevant experience enhances technical proficiency and ensures adherence to safety protocols and operational efficiency in managing operations associated with sour gas. At Shell Malaysia, we offer opportunities for professionals at all career stages.

Graduates

Our graduate programme targets recent graduates aiming to enter the field and offers them a structured pathway where they gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and training to confidently step into the energy sector and launch a career in sour gas operations.

For more details, visit our Shell Graduate Programme page.

Experienced Professionals

Professionals with prior experience in oil and gas can transition into sour gas roles at Shell Malaysia by demonstrating expertise in managing related processes, technical proficiency in areas like H₂S management and corrosion control, strong safety acumen, and proven problem-solving skills.

Senior and Leadership Roles

Senior positions, including engineering leads, require extensive experience in managing large-scale sour gas projects, including experience with project planning, execution, and risk management specific to sour gas developments.

This includes experience in:

• Managing safety, budgetary, and timeline objectives in projects involving sour gas-related hazards, and
• Strategic planning and leadership, demonstrated through a proven track record of successful project execution

We highlight specific experience requirements for mid-level and senior positions in job descriptions on our careers page.

Why Choose Shell

Grow your skills

Shell Malaysia offers many opportunities for personal and professional development within the challenging yet transformative field of sour gas development.

As a fresh graduate, our Shell Graduate Programme is designed to equip you with the skills and experience needed to excel in the energy sector through formal training in advanced technologies, hands-on experience on real-world sour gas projects, and mentorship from experienced professionals.

As an employee, you will have access to specialised training programmes, such as the Shell Advanced Technical Programme, and opportunities to collaborate with global experts on complex sour gas projects.

We are ready to help you deepen your expertise in areas related to sour gas extraction and processing. We offer internal technical and leadership development programmes and access to courses and resources from our partner educational institutions.

Collaborate with experienced colleagues

At Shell Malaysia, you will work alongside esteemed professionals who are leaders in their fields, contributing to innovative solutions for managing sour gas resources safely and sustainably.

Our collaborative, team-oriented environment encourages knowledge-sharing and mentorship, enabling you to learn from the best and enhance your expertise on interdisciplinary sour gas projects. With Shell Malaysia, your path to continuous personal and professional development is assured.

Achieve your balance in a values-led culture

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where every individual feels respected and valued.

Our core values of honesty, integrity, collaboration, and inclusion drive our operations, and we place great emphasis on harboring a safe and respectful work environment where employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful energy projects.

Develop the energy solutions of tomorrow and today

By joining Shell Malaysia, you will play a direct role in developing innovative energy solutions that address the challenges of today while anticipating tomorrow’s needs.

We are dedicated to tackling the energy transition challenges, striving for a better future, and providing our employees with the chance to work on projects that make a tangible impact on the world.

Grow with Us: Be Part of Shell’s Transformative Journey

Starting a career with Shell Malaysia is a well-organised journey focused on discovering and developing talent. Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate our application platform:

1. Visit the Shell Malaysia Jobs
   page
2. For experienced professionals
    , browse through jobs to find a position that suits you or refine your search by narrowing down roles by function, location, or keywords.
3. For recent graduates, consider applying to our 2025 Malaysia Shell Graduate Programme
   .
4. Once you find a suitable role, click “APPLY.”
5. Register by providing your email address and creating a password. Returning users can sign in with their existing credentials.
6. Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and professional information and upload any other required documents.
7. Review all entered information for accuracy.
8. Click the “Submit” button to finalise your application.
9. After submission, you can log in to your account and press “Manage application” on the website header to track your application’s status.

Shell Malaysia’s recruitment team will communicate the next steps via email.

For detailed information on the application process, visit Shell Malaysia’s application process for professionals page. For students and graduates, more details can be found on the students and graduates page.

Conclusion

Shell Malaysia’s sour gas operations, particularly the Rosmari and Marjoram fields, are among the company’s largest energy initiatives. We are actively seeking skilled individuals to join our team in various capacities as we continue to innovate and develop energy solutions that will address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s needs.

Becoming part of Shell Malaysia’s sour gas operations will allow you to develop your skills within a supportive environment and make meaningful contributions in developing the energy solutions of tomorrow and today.

Ready to power your progress? Explore exciting career opportunities in sour gas fields at Shell Malaysia by visiting the Shell Careers page. Have questions? Find more information on our Contact Careers and FAQs page.