Omani firms set to grow their E&P portfolios

FROM P13 for drill stem tests (DSTs) and during long-term tests ranged from 7 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) to 18 MMscf/d. Two additional gas prospects have been mapped within the block.

Separately, OOCEP has joined forces with Italian integrated energy giant Eni to secure the licence for Block 52 offshore Oman’s southeastern and southern seaboard. Covering an area of around 90,700 sq km, the block is perhaps the biggest piece of acreage ever offered for exploration and development in the Sultanate.

Although there have been no discoveries made to date within this concession, gas shows were encountered in the Lower Tertiary and Aruma sections in the Sawqarah Bay South-1, according to the Ministry.

Also of significance is the major discovery made two years ago by Masirah Oil Ltd in Block 50 adjacent to the northern boundary of Block 52. The GA South-1 well indicated light oil production at a rate of 3,000 barrels per day, while the results of the Manarah-1 appraisal well indicated the presence of a working petroleum system in Block 50 earlier this year. The only well in the block, the Sawqrah Bay South-1, was drilled by PDO in 1991.

OOCEP currently operates three blocks in Oman (60, 42, and 48) and is a participant in a number of joint ventures, some of which are largescale projects in the upstream sector, notably the Khazzan tight gas project operated by BP, the Mukhaizna field and Block 9, both of which are operated by Occidental.

Seeking to expand its footprint in the upstream sector is local energy firm ARA Petroleum which is set to acquire Block 31 onshore Oman. Muscat-based ARA made its debut last year when it acquired Block 44 (Shams) upon its relinquishment by the previous owner PTTEP Oman, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thai integrated energy giant PTTEP. ARA’s latest acquisition Block 31 adjoins Block 44.

Tight gas is also the predominant petroleum play in Block 31. The 8,526 sq km concession, located in the interior of Oman, has produced no discoveries to date, although gas shows were encountered in Suneinah-2 within the Mayhah formation. Four prospects have so far been mapped within the block, according to the Ministry. Rounding off the list of blocks to be signed away tomorrow is Block 49, which has been committed to a local subsidiary of Swedish oil firm Tethys Oil.