MUSCAT: OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) has conducted an emergency management Exercise in its Block 60 concession area – Bisat Field, implemented by the Emergency and Crisis Management Team in collaboration with strategic partners from relevant governmental authorities and both local and international service providers
The exercise was conducted to evaluate the company’s emergency rand crisis systems, as well as the efficiency of communication and coordination among all relevant stakeholders and responders during large-scale emergencies. The exercise is a key part of the company’s commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness and ensuring the safety and security of all employees and contractors, and company assets.
The exercise featured a complex scenario with multiple elements to test response procedures, escalation processes and communication protocols. This simulation was of an oil well blowout (loss of well control) with potential escalations including gas leaks, oil spills, etc.
Several entities participated in the exercise, including the Ministry of Energy and Minerals the Royal Oman Police, the Oil and Gas Installations Security, the Directorate General of Police Aviation, the Public Authority for Civil Defense and Ambulance, the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services in Al Dakhiliyah, the Environment Authority, and external entities such as Wild Well Control (USA) (WWC), among others, including contractors and service providers. These entities contributed expertise in well control and medical emergency response and coordinated with third parties and internal teams as needed.
It is worth noting that OQEP conducted similar scale exercises in its Block 60 concession in 2022 and in its Block 8 offshore concession area in Musandam in 2023 in close collaboration with relevant Government authorities, showcasing the company’s commitment to maintaining best practices in health, safety, security, environment and emergency preparedness. These large-scale initiatives are held annually and provide a valuable opportunity for OQEP to evaluate and improve its emergency response procedures and communication protocols across all its operationally diverse assets.