Offshore block near Abu Dhabi starts oil production

UAE energy giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has started crude oil production from its Belbazem offshore block, helping meet growing demand for Abu Dhabi’s lower-carbon intensity oil and gas.

The block, operated by Al Yasat Petroleum, a joint venture between ADNOC and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), is developed with an innovative approach, including leveraging operational synergies with adjacent fields, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization to enhance efficiency and safety while reducing emissions and cost, ADNOC noted.

Located 120 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi, the Belbazem Block consists of three offshore fields, including Belbazem, Umm Al Salsal and Umm Al Dholou.

Production capacity is set to progressively ramp up to 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) of light crude and 27 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of associated gas, contributing to ADNOC’s target of reaching 5 million bpd by 2027 and enabling UAE gas self-sufficiency for the UAE.  

“The start of crude oil production from the Belbazem offshore block is testament to the success of our strategic partnership with CNPC and the robust bilateral energy relationship between the UAE and China,” said Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, ADNOC Upstream Executive Director.

“ADNOC continues to maximize value from Abu Dhabi’s resources, while reducing our carbon footprint to ensure a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of energy to customers locally and internationally.”

The National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) won a contract in 2021 for the full field development of the offshore block.

According to ADNOC, the Belbazem block uses the WellInsight AI tool developed by AIQ to analyze reservoir data and manage operations for enhanced safety and performance. The block will also integrate advanced technologies already deployed at Al Yasat’s Bu Haseer offshore field, to optimize production and reservoir management.

Belbazem is leveraging operational synergies by utilizing the facilities of the Satah Al Razboot (SARB) offshore field, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impact, the UAE firm said.