PDO marks major anniversaries

Petroleum Development Oman celebrated two major anniversaries on Sunday, which included the 50th anniversary of the first export of Omani oil and the 80th anniversary of the company’s foundation.

The event was held under the auspices of Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas and Chairman of the PDO Board, and Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, UnderSecretary at the Ministry of Oil and Gas.

Speaking on the occasion, Al Aufi said the ministry hopes to sign four blocks by August this year and is in negotiation with the companies for another three to four blocks by the end of this year. He said efforts of the companies have led to the lower cost of production per barrel.

Speaking on the occasion, Raoul Restucci, Managing Director, said, “The day allowed us to mark these special milestones in our company’s history with our staff and key stakeholders in a celebration that everyone could enjoy. In organising the event we were keen to incorporate a range of activities that highlighted the company’s achievements, allowed us to celebrate our current successes but also provided the opportunity to look ahead at what the future may hold.” The PDO day programme included the premier of a short film highlighting the company’s development since 1937, the announcement of winners of a poetry competition and the annual awards ceremony.

Restucci praised the company’s achievements and said it continued to lead the way in many areas including HSE, production, exploration, In-Country Value, Lean continuous business improvement, Well and Reservoir Facilities Management (WRFM), enhanced oil recovery and new technology implementation. The event also included PDO’s annual awards ceremony incorporating the 13th chairman’s Award for Excellence (CAE) and the fifth Dr Abdullah al Lamki for Developing Talent Award (DALTA).