Zama oil field development takes a major step forward with new FEED contract

The Zama Unit partners, consisting of Wintershall Dea, Pemex (operator), Talos Energy, and Harbour Energy, have awarded a pivotal Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) contract to the French engineering firm DORIS.

This significant contract involves the design and planning of offshore platforms, extensive pipeline networks, and a new onshore facility at the Dos Bocas Maritime Terminal in Paraiso, Tabasco.

DORIS will work alongside Mexican engineering companies NOMARNA and SUMMUM to execute the FEED phase.

Major FEED Contract Awarded for Zama Oil Field, Advancing Mexico’s Energy Development

A Collaborative and Strategic Initiative:

The Zama oil field, heralded as one of Mexico’s most crucial energy projects, has achieved another milestone in its development trajectory. According to Martin Jungbluth, Managing Director of Wintershall Dea in Mexico, this step marks a significant progress toward developing the large field efficiently and safely, utilizing DORIS’s extensive experience in FEED phases.

Project Specifications and Environmental Commitments:

The FEED work aligns with the Unit Development Plan approved by the Mexican Hydrocarbon Commission last year. It encompasses the construction of two offshore platforms, 68 kilometers of pipelines and cables, and a dedicated onshore facility, emphasizing sustainable practices to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency using produced gas for onshore power generation.

A Milestone in Mexican Energy Landscape:

Discovered in 2017 by an international consortium, Zama is among the largest shallow water discoveries globally over the past two decades. With estimated resources between 600 to 800 million barrels of oil equivalent, the field is set to significantly bolster Mexico’s energy supply. At peak production, Zama could contribute approximately 180,000 barrels per day, accounting for about 10% of Mexico’s current oil output.

Future Prospects:

Following the completion of the FEED studies, the Zama Unit partnership will initiate the tendering process for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts, paving the way for the Final Investment Decision. The partnership structure features Pemex as the primary stakeholder with a 50.43% share, followed by Wintershall Dea at 19.83%, Talos Energy at 17.35%, and Harbour Energy at 12.39%.

The awarding of the FEED contract to DORIS signifies a profound commitment to advancing Mexico’s energy capabilities through international collaboration and technological innovation. This project not only promises substantial economic benefits but also sets a precedent for environmentally conscious development in the region’s burgeoning energy sector.