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The A1-96/3 well is located around 35 km from the Wafa field. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Exploration & Production

Eni and BP have resumed their exploration activities in Libya after halting drilling operations in the onshore region in 2014, according to Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC)

This follows the formal revocation of force majeure status by Eni and NOC in August 2023 on exploration areas A&B (onshore) and C (offshore), where Eni is operator with 42.5% along with bp (42.5%) and Libya Investment Authority (15%), as a result of a favourable security assessment. Some of these areas are close to the Wafa gas facilities that export production to Italy.

On October 26, Eni began its exploration activities in the Area B (96/3) of Ghadames Basin, where the first exploratory well, A1-96/3 (Hasheem Prospect), was drilled. This well is the first under the contractual obligations for Area B in Ghadames Basin, according to the Fourth Bid Round Contract of 2007. Mellitah Oil & Gas, which has extensive experience in the region, particularly in developing and managing the Wafa field, is overseeing the drilling operations and all related activities for this well.

Several promising geological formations in the A1-96/3 well are set to be tested, which are expected to contain both oil and gas. The well is projected to reach a final depth of approximately 3,147 m.
The A1-96/3 well is located around 35 km from the Wafa field and approximately 650 km from the capital, Tripoli.

Eni is the leading international gas producer in Libya, where it has been operating since 1959, and currently has a large portfolio of assets in exploration, production and development. Production activities are operated through the joint venture company Mellitah Oil and Gas BV (Eni 50%, NOC 50%).

Repsol and OMV are also set to restart operations sin the Murzuq Basin and Sirte Basin respectively, NOC says.

Capt Ammar Al Shaiba, Maritime & Shipping Cluster CEO, AD Ports Group. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Industry

In an exclusive interview with Oil Review Middle East, Capt. Ammar Al Shaiba, Maritime & Shipping Cluster CEO at AD Ports Group, discusses business development, the innovation and technology driving sustainability initiatives and the company's focus at ADIPEC

How do you view the market for your services currently, and what is your strategy for developing your business in the region?

As the largest diversified provider of maritime services in the region, SAFEEN Group has a very wide customer base. Our portfolio of business lines covers key areas including shipping & transhipment, offshore & subsea, shipbuilding & dry-docking as well as marine services including ferry and water taxi operations. We offer long-standing expertise coupled with synergistic and comprehensive capabilities. We have undergone substantial growth in the last five years regionally and globally in terms of services and our fleet which we intend to capitalise on going forward.

To what extent are sustainability concerns a focus for your business, and what measures have you taken to help your clients operate sustainably, e.g. using low-carbon fuels?

We are committed to sustainable actions and driving the decarbonisation agenda, which includes ongoing research and development into solutions that help to reduce our carbon footprint, while simultaneously providing smarter solutions for our partners. For example, to meet our GHG emissions reduction target we are investing heavily in our fleet. We have successfully trialled an all-electric harbour tug which offers operational efficiency while emitting zero emissions from tank to propellor. We also have a state-of-the-art remotely operated unmanned vessel (USV) which operates on 100% renewable electric power or biofuel, SAFEEN Green has 10% of the emissions of a conventional vessel guaranteeing a significantly reduced carbon footprint, something which we are very proud of.

How important is it for you to invest in the latest technologies, and to what extent are advances in AI and digitalisation having an impact on your business?

Research, innovation and data backed decisions are the driving forces of our phenomenal growth. We monitor trends and encourage R&D within the business frequently partnering with entities to generate bespoke solutions and applications. Harnessing the power of emerging technologies allows us to evolve and remain competitive. We are currently experimenting with the use of AI and robotics across our business, particularly in relation to autonomous vessels.

What will be your focus at ADIPEC, and how do you hope to benefit from participating?

We will be highlighting our end-to-end capabilities, particularly in the offshore and subsea domain, catering to oil & gas and EPC projects in the region, southeast Asia and southern Africa. We will also showcase our vessels and services and look forward to the networking opportunities ADIPEC brings and the prospect of knowledge sharing, particularly in relation to innovation and technology.

The new process will improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. (Image source: Honeywell)

Petrochemicals

Honeywell has launched a new process to improve the efficiency and sustainability of light olefin production

The naphtha to ethane and propane (NEP) technology generates a tunable amount of ethane and propane from naphtha and/or LPG feedstocks, generating more high-value ethylene and propylene with reduced production of lower-value by-products compared to a traditional mixed-feed steam cracking unit and resulting in net cash margin increases. An NEP-based olefins complex also reduces CO2 intensity per metric ton of light olefins produced by 5 to 50% versus a traditional mixed-feed steam cracker.

More efficient production

“The petrochemical industry faces strong competition and challenges in obtaining raw materials globally,” said Matt Spalding, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions in MENA. “Our technology helps to enable more efficient production of ethylene and propylene, two chemicals which are in high demand, while also helping our customers lower their carbon emissions.”

The new solution is a part of Honeywell’s Integrated Olefin Suite technology portfolio to enhance the production of light olefins.

Chartek ONE performs reliably in both cold and warm climates. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Technology

International, a protective coating brand of AkzoNobel, has introduced the next evolution in epoxy passive fire protection (PFP)

Chartek ONE has been introduced as a single-coat, mesh-free solution that simplifies PFP application for assets in the energy sector by maximising efficiency, streamlining installation processes and enhancing health and safety.

As a 100% solids, boron-free two-pack material, Chartek ONE provides enhanced durability and combined corrosion, cryogenic and hydrocarbon protection. It provides three hours of jet and pool fire protection across a wide operating temperature range, effectively shielding assets from all fire types.

Chartek ONE can accelerate installation of PFP systems both in the workshop and onsite, lowering installed weight, reducing labour and material costs whilst achieving the same fire protection, which is particularly important for industries with strict weight requirements, such as offshore oil and gas. In doing so, Chartek ONE can reduce workshop hours by up to 59%, saving users both time and money throughout projects and over the lifetime of the asset.

Introduced for customers in the Middle East, Chartek ONE availability in other regions is planned for 2025.

Benefitting from technical experience

“Chartek stands at the forefront of the industry, offering a comprehensive range of solutions that reflect our heritage and track record of success,” remarked Robin Wade, global fire protection manager at AkzoNobel. “Our investment in research, development and PFP capabilities enable us to provide our customers with the best possible outcomes.

“Chartek ONE was developed in our Felling facility which is one of the world’s largest UKAS-accredited PFP testing centers for intumescent PFP. Patented polysiloxane modified thio-ether and epoxy technology resolves many of the pain points found in the provision and longevity of epoxy PFP in one simple solution. International is a dedicated partner and through the celebrated history of Chartek, we are committed to excellence in technical support, product specific engineering solutions, and delivering class-leading products.”

Chartek benefits from a presence in the industry spanning more than half a century. As passive fire protection, it excels in the most demanding conditions and the range is one of the world's most complete portfolio of epoxy intumescent PFP coatings available, according to the company.

Formulated and tested against critical industry standards for energy assets including NORSOK M-501:2022 Edition 7 and ISO 22899 (standard and high heat flux jet fires), Chartek ONE is free from boron and has a 100% solids formula to reduce occupational risks and improve HSE performance and footprint.

“We are thrilled to be introducing Chartek ONE for our Middle East customers at ADIPEC 2024,” added Andy Holt, business development manager - Middle East at International. “Crafted to offer our customers superior safety, reliability, and peace of mind, Chartek ONE showcases our continued dedication to sustainability and innovation.

“This single-coat, mesh-free solution will drastically simplify PFP projects for our customers, minimizing downtime and reducing overall project costs. Our commitment to considering the environmental impact of our work is an integral part of the development process. Chartek ONE’s 100% solids, boron-free formula, stands as a testament to this commitment.”

The webinar will explore the latest trends in offshore operations. (Image source: AD Ports)

Webinar

The offshore operations landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, making it crucial to keep up with advancements in efficiency and sustainability.

Oil Review Middle East is hosting an exclusive webinar on 20 November at 2pm GST, entitled ‘The future of offshore operations: innovation, efficiency and sustainability’. It will bring together industry leaders and experts to explore the latest trends in offshore operations, focusing on groundbreaking innovations that are driving sustainable and efficient practices. One of the highlights will be a presentation on SAFEEN Green—a revolutionary unmanned surface vessel (USV) shaping the future of the offshore industry.

Key highlights:


Offshore trends: expert insights into industry shifts and sustainability influences
Complex challenges: addressing the environmental and resource-focused dynamics shaping operations
AD Ports Group vision: discover how SAFEEN Green is setting new benchmarks for sustainable operations
Innovation in SAFEEN Green: A closer look at the groundbreaking technology behind this transformative USV.
Practical insights: Learn strategies to boost efficiency and encourage responsible practices in offshore work.

Speakers are Erik Tonne, managing director and head of market analysis, Clarksons Platou; Tarek Al Marzooqi, CEO, SAFEEN Subsea, AD Ports Group; and Ronald J Kraft, CTO, Sovereign Global Solutions ME and RC Dock Engineering BV.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain exclusive insights into the future of offshore operations!

Register here 

Eng. Anas Aljuaidi, CEO, Mannesmann Energy. (Image source: Mannesmann Energy)

Energy Transition

Abu Dhabi-based Emirati fully independent EPC contractor and technology integrator MMEC Mannesmann has rebranded as Mannesmann Energy, reflecting its increased focus on new energies and support for the energy transition

Oil Review Middle East spoke to its CEO, Eng. Anas Aljuaidi, who explained the rationale behind the new brand identity, officially announced at the Investing in Green Hydrogen conference in London in September.

Aljuaidi explains that the company, with its MMEC Mannesmann heritage, has a strong background in oil and gas, construction and heavy engineering, but has since 2020, when it became a wholly-owned Emirati company, diversified into renewable energy and sustainability sectors.

“We are still supporting the decarbonisation of oil and gas, in for example EOR projects, but are looking to do more in renewable energy and energy generally, in support of the energy transition,” Aljuaidi says. The new name therefore more accurately reflects the scope of the company’s activities, with 50-70% of its projects envisaged to be in renewables by 2030.

Mannesmann Energy plays a key role in the UAE’s energy transition, focusing on low-carbon pilot projects and contributing to decarbonisation and net-zero goals. Its expertise supports the UAE Hydrogen Strategy by accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies through strategic partnerships with leading renewable sector providers. Eng. Aljuaidi notes that the company was the first contractor in the UAE to be involved in green hydrogen, having acted as the EPC contractor for the supply and operation of a high-speed hydrogen refuelling station in Masdar City, the first of its kind in the region, with recharging capabilities of 750 bar. It is about to announce its second blue hydrogen project in the region.

“We are emphasising our capabilities as an EPC contractor and technology integrator, and adding value from an engineering perspective to accelerate hydrogen implementation in the UAE,” he says. “Our ambition is to keep the highest market share when it comes to clean energy and clean hydrogen, whether blue or green, to support the UAE’s hydrogen strategy.

“Being a technology integrator is our strength, as we can work with any technology to meet our clients’ expectations. That’s one of our areas of expertise. We have an excellent engineering team with international expertise that can evaluate technologies and advise the project developer on the best technology for the application, and how to reduce the CAPEX and OPEX cost to make it more viable for the market.”

Keeping costs down

While hydrogen is rapidly gaining momentum, the cost of developing projects can be prohibitive, with many calling for increased government support and incentives. Eng. Anas Aljuaidi has a strong opinion on this.

“Our philosophy is that is we should not rely on governments to bring costs down; there is a lot we, the EPC companies, can be doing ourselves to reduce costs, for example expanding our supply chain by engaging new technology providers and SMEs rather than going to the top tier companies, whose costs are often unbelievably high, and by using competitive sources of components. In any hydrogen project, the electrolyser accounts for only 20% of the total cost; 80% is accounted for by the EPC. So the project developer should engage the EPC contractor at an early stage to reduce the risk and costs. That’s how we can really accelerate hydrogen production.”

So there is always room for reducing the price, but you can only do that by engaging the EPC contractor.

“When it comes to the OEMs, we can help them as well by advising them on the right elements for their electrolysers or their products. These should be obtained locally or where they are readily available, to avoid unnecessary transportation costs and the risk of supply chain disruption.

“Some elements are by nature very expensive, so it is important to select a competitively priced element to keep the end product cost lower. In China an electrolyser based on alkaline technology can costs US430,000 per kilowatt, compared with US$1,400,000 per kilowatt in Europe. That’s a massive difference and will have a big impact on the project capex.

“The project developer needs to select the right geographic location for their development and ensure that it is near to its customers, to avoid unnecessary costs, such as those entailed by converting hydrogen to ammonia for transportation and cracking it back to hydrogen when it reaches its destination.

“So instead of complaining that governments are not giving incentives, or not paying premiums, EPCs should take it upon themselves to reduce the costs, then everyone will come to you and purchase from you. That is how we, as EPC contractors can guide our customers to enable them to accelerate hydrogen implementation, and we are involved in some early-stage projects where we are doing this.”

Supporting localisation

Mannesmann Energy is also supporting the UAE’s efforts to localise electrolyser manufacturing in the country. Aljuaidi comments that the UAE is one of the most advanced countries when it comes to enabling clean energy, with the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ programme offering incentives for local manufacture, thereby enabling companies to produce products at a competitive price (hydrogen is one of the priority sectors). The Emirates Development Bank also provides financial support for businesses in strategic sectors, including renewables. Progress has been encouraging, and Aljuaidi is optimistic about the future.

“A number of agreements were signed during the Make it in the Emirates Forum last year and this year,” Aljuaidi says. “It’s a new market, and it will take time for projects to get off the ground, but I am sure it will come.”

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