BP and its partners Makarim Gas Development (OQ), Petronas have started production from the Ghazeer gas field in the phase 2 of the onshore Block 61 in Oman.

Production from the Omani gas field was achieved 33 months after the approval of the development.

The Ghazeer gas project was initially expected to be brought on stream in 2021.

Dr. Mohammed Al Rumhy – Oman Minister of Energy and Minerals said: “I am delighted to see bp bringing the Ghazeer gas field online – it’s an important project for Oman and we are extremely proud of it. The gas from Ghazeer will contribute towards Oman’s 2040 vision in terms of providing additional energy to local industries as well as diversifying the economy.”

According to BP, the project involved overcoming of challenging geological conditions as the gas in the Ghazeer field is locked in dense rocks 5km underground.

The first phase of development of Block 61 involved the development of the Khazzan gas field, which began production in September 2017.

With the Ghazeer gas field coming online, the production capacity of Omani Block 61 is likely to move up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day alongside more than 65,000 barrels per day of associated condensate.

As per BP, Block 61 has an estimated 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources. The onshore block is capable of meeting nearly 35% of the total gas demand in Oman, said the energy giant.

Bernard Looney – BP chief executive said: “When we introduced our plans to reinvent bp, we were clear that to deliver them we have to perform as we transform. There are few better examples of how we are doing just that than Ghazeer.

“This project has been delivered with capital discipline four months early, wells are being drilled in record times and, importantly, safety performance has been excellent. It exemplifies what a strong and resilient hydrocarbons business looks like – a core part of our strategy.”

BP is the operator of Block 61 with a stake of 60%. Makarim Gas Development holds a stake of 30%, while Malaysia’s Petronas through its subsidiary Oman Ventures (Petronas) holds a stake of 10%.

  Bernard Looney, BP, Ghazeer field, Khazzan gas field, Makarim Gas Development, Mohammed Al Rumhy, Oman, Oman Block 61, Petronas