Development of Oil Fields

ADOC is currently operating four oil fields in offshore Abu Dhabi area namely, Mubarraz, Umm Al-Anbar (AR) , Neewat Al-Ghalan (GA) and Hail Field.

Exploration

The first seismic survey was carried out over the concession area in 1968. Mubarraz Field, which is composed of low relief domal structures with less than one degree dip in flank, was found as a result of careful interpretation works with paper outputs of seismic sections. The first exploratoty well (MR-1) was spudded in a prospective structure and Mubarraz Field was discovered in 1969.

A seismic survey was carried out in the West Mubarraz concession in 1979 and 1980 and oil in two domal structures in shallow water area was discovered in 1982 and 1983, they were named Umm Al-Anbar and Neewat Al-Ghalan Fields, respectively.

An example of old seismic profile in early exploration stage
Jack-up rig in testing operation in the past
(This photo shows the rig used when the Umm Al-Anbar Oilfield was discovered; today crude oil is not burned.)

Characteristics of the Oil Fields

In the Mubarraz Oil Field and the Hail Oil Field, the main reservoir rock is Lower Cretaceous limestone, while in the Umm Al-Anbar Oil Field and the Neewat Al-Ghalan Oil Field it is Jurassic dolomite.
These reservoir rocks lie 2,400-3,600m underground.

Evaluation of Reservoir Rocks

Reservoir models that are utilized for maximizing field production are constructed summarizing well correlation, log interpretation, core analysis, structural maps and other geological studies. In addition to the conventional evaluation, ADOC is challenging to apply new evaluation with advanced technologies such as NMR ( Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ) measurement, X-ray CT scanning and fluid inclusion, etc.

Development and Production of Oil

Geological models and integrated numerical reservoir models are fully utilized to calculate Original Oil In Place (OOIP), to predict the future oil production behavior of the reservoir and to establish a development plan. These models are constructed utilizing all of the data obtained throughout the exploratory activities. Once a decision for the development of the reservoir is made, surface facilities are to be designed and constructed to meet the production requirements.

Following these processes, production began in the Mubarraz Oil Field in 1973, the Umm Al-Anbar Oil Field in 1989, the Neewat Al-Ghalan Oil Field in 1995, and the Hail Oil Field in November 2017.

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