The Ministry of Energy in the Sultanate of Oman announced the start of production from the Gazir Block 61 gas field, just after 33 months of the approval for its development.
His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al-Ramahi, Minister of Energy, expressed his happiness for BP’s submission of the Ghazir gas field on the internet, as an important project for the Sultanate of Oman and that they are very proud of it. He added that the obtained gas from Ghazir will contribute to achieving Oman’s Vision 2040 in terms of providing additional capacity for local industries in addition to diversifying the economy.
“The start-up of Ghazir is a milestone in our strategic partnership with the Sultanate of Oman, as it provides the Sultanate’s vital national infrastructure. We appreciate the cooperative support we received from the Government of Oman and our partners in achieving this milestone safely and well ahead, especially as Oman prepares to celebrate the fiftieth National Day” said Bernard Looney, BP CEO.
Total production capacity from Block 61, which contain Khazzan and Ghazir, is expected to increase to 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day and more than 65,000 barrels per day of associated condensates, with an estimated 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources. Therefore, the aforementioned sector has the potential to supply approximately 35% of the total gas demand in Oman.
BP prioritizes local value in all of its projects and operations. During the development of Ghazir, BP worked closely with local suppliers and contractors to develop their capabilities and help them to compete in both Oman and the world, resulting in a number of contracts being transferred from international contractors to local Omani contractors. Updated and industry-leading policies and procedures on worker welfare and human rights are also included throughout the project.
With this first milestone achievement for gas, 80% of BP Oman’s workforce is Omani citizens. Registered Omani companies were also used for more than 85% of the total project spending.