OQEP is a leading player in the oil and gas sector among energy companies in the Sultanate of Oman. Our proven track record of success in developing the nation’s hydrocarbon resources makes us a trusted partner for international oil companies and start-ups in the Sultanate that benefit from our strategic and sustainable expertise.
OQEP has established a strong track record in both operated and non-operated assets, including notable successes such as Block 60 in northern Oman, targeting the Shuaiba, Hawshi, Barik and Muqrat oil and gas reservoirs. Our achievements in navigating complex deep gas reservoirs and challenging geological formations underscore our expertise and commitment to operational excellence in exploration and production.
Looking ahead, our focus remains on advancing the development of these complex reservoirs, by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, comprehensive surveillance, and advanced subsurface characterisation techniques, including seismic mapping, to drive further success.
Operational excellence and cost efficiency are at the core of our operations. By embracing new technologies, we have consistently reduced drilling and operating costs while accelerating well construction timelines, reinforcing our position as a leader in the exploration and production sector.
We have executed material growth through inorganic acquisitions of additional blocks where we saw commercial promise, but also focused on increasing production in our existing reserve base by continuously making operational improvements while reducing costs.
Our record-breaking production of nearly 14 times higher since inception is a result of our combined efforts on operational excellence. Our story is not just one of growth but also highlights our commercial mindset. We have selectively undertaken partial divestments within some of our assets at opportune moments for maximum value creation.
Block 60, OQEP’s flagship producing asset, is located onshore in western central Oman, spans an area of 1,484 square kilometers, and was acquired in 2011. Gas development in deep reservoirs and the first production began in 2014. OQEP's investment in exploration efforts culminated in the discovery of Bisat in 2017, marking a pivotal shift in oil production within Block 60. Through our cutting-edge technologies, we managed to increase production from 15,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/day) in 2019 to above 60,000 (boe/day) in 2023. We fast-tracked our target using different development methods, such as modular production processing facilities using the DBOOM concept (Design Build Own Operate and Maintain), and the utilisation of flexible pipe (LLRTP) for well hookup. To maintain sustainable growth, we are implementing a solid exploration plan in Block 60 to explore other potential reservoirs. Block 60 is a true success story throughout the exploration and development cycle, particularly the significant ramp-up of Bisat between 2020-22.
Block 48 spans an area of 2,995 square kilometers in the west-central region of Oman. It features several reservoirs within both clastic and carbonate depositional environments, including the Shuaiba, Khuff, Haushi, and Haima sequences, which are considered potential targets for exploration. Previous exploratory drilling has confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the Shuaiba, Khuff, and Haushi formations, thereby validating the petroleum system within the block.
The block is strategically located near existing infrastructure and producing fields, such as the Sahma oilfield in HCF Block 7, as well as the Abu Butabul gas and condensate field and the Bisat Shuaiba oilfield in OQEP’s Block 60.
Since taking over operations, OQEP has drilled two wells targeting the Shuaiba and Haushi formations, reprocessed legacy 2D seismic data, and conducted a new 3D WAZ seismic survey in the southern part of the block, which is currently under processing. A firm exploration well is planned for 2024, with an additional well anticipated for 2025, subject to the outcomes of the seismic data analysis.
Block 8, the first offshore development project in Oman, covers an area of 423 square kilometers and is located offshore to the northwest of the Musandam Peninsula in the Strait of Hormuz. It consists of two producing fields, the Bukha gas field and the West Bukha oil field. OQEP has been the operator for Block 8 since 2019 and has been maintaining high HSSE standards and operational excellence.
Block 8 production is exported to the Musandam Gas Plant (MGP) in Bukha for separation, processing and stabilisation.
The Musandam Gas Plant, an asset of OQEP, plays a crucial role in processing well fluids from Block 8. Strategically located in the western part of Musandam Governorate, the plant is dedicated to the vital task of processing Omani hydrocarbons. The dry gas produced is delivered to the nearby Musandam Power Plant (MIPP), where it is used to generate power for the region. Meanwhile, the oil is stored in on-site tanks before being exported globally, and the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is distributed to local and regional markets.
Joint ventures are the lifeblood of the challenging business of oil exploration. Over the years, we have cemented partnerships with leading global players, resulting in an 84% contribution to OQEP’s total production to date. OQEP has made impressive strides in exploration across multiple sites in Oman since 2011 as a result of these highly successful joint ventures. The breadth and depth of partners showcase OQEP as the partner of choice for major IOCs and evidence OQEP’s experience in attracting and working with sophisticated hydrocarbon producers for more than a decade.
The significant expansion in two phases of Block 61 - one in Khazzan field and another in Ghazeer field is a testimony to our collaboration with our JV partners.
Several major exploration and production blocks such as Block 65, 11 and 9 have achieved outstanding results due to consistent collaboration with operators to define and assess exploration opportunities. This approach has improved risk management, optimised costs, and accelerated the development of near-field exploration opportunities.
Hover over the Blocks on the map to see the details.
This map is not an authority on international boundaries.