SINGAPORE: Malaysia's Kimanis crude oil exports will rise to seven cargoes in March from six in February, trade sources said on Tuesday.

       A preliminary loading schedule seen by Reuters earlier had shown Kimanis March export cargoes falling to six from seven in February, but the sources said that one cargo was rolled over to March from the prior month.

       Royal Dutch Shell, operator of the oilfields that produce Kimanis, declined to comment. Oilfields equity owner Petronas did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

       The sources declined to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to media.

       Shell operates the two deepwater fields, Gumusut-Kakap and Malikai off the coast of Sabah, capable of producing 170,000 bpd of Kimanis crude at peak.

       However, production has fallen below peak levels because natural declines while a compressor issue cropped up in January, one of the sources said.

       The unit has been shut for maintenance which is expected to be completed by the end of this month, he added. - Reuters