In The Spotlight

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AI has applications throughout the value chain in the oil and gas sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Technology

Transforming oil and gas operations with AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the energy sector in the coming decade, boosting electricity demand from data centres around the world while also unlocking opportunities to cut costs, enhance competitiveness and reduce emissions, according to a new report from the IEA

The IEA’s special report Energy and AI argues that, while the increase in electricity demand for data centres is set to drive up emissions, this increase will be small in the context of the overall energy sector and could potentially be offset by emissions reductions enabled by AI if adoption of the technology is widespread. Additionally, as AI becomes increasingly integral to scientific discovery, the report finds that it could accelerate innovation in energy technologies such as batteries and solar PV.

“With the rise of AI, the energy sector is at the forefront of one of the most important technological revolutions of our time,” said Dr Fatih Birol, IEA executive director. “AI is a tool, potentially an incredibly powerful one, but it is up to us – our societies, governments and companies – how we use it.”

AI applications in oil and gas supply can help play a role in energy transitions by ensuring that sufficient supplies are available at lower cost and with lower emissions, the IEA says.

Early adopters

The report notes that oil and gas companies have been among the earliest adopters of new technologies to boost exploration and production. In 2000, 11 supercomputers operated by oil and gas companies ranked among the world’s 500 fastest. By 2024, this number had increased to 24, and total computing capacity has grown at almost 70% annually, outpacing the broader supercomputing industry. Companies including TotalEnergies, Petrobras and Aramco are developing new supercomputer capabilities for applications across exploration and production, operations and safety and emissions management; Eni’s latest supercomputer is currently the fifth fastest in the world.

Oil and gas companies are also investing and partnering with AI experts to develop bespoke tools for their industry, with ADNOC announcing the completion of a trial of an AI agent based on a 70bn-parameter large language model that is reported to have improved the accuracy of seismic processing by 70%, along with other improvements.

Various applications

AI has various applications in the sector, the report notes, including for subsurface data processing, reservoir simulation, remote operations, predictive maintenance, regulatory compliance, leak detection and automation.

In exploration and development, the use of AI in seismic processing improves interpretation and image quality and makes it up to 90% better at classification. It can also help to determine where precisely to drill production wells. AI can also enhance the accuracy and speed of processes for reservoir simulation models. The use of deep learning algorithms allows faster loading and processing of large volumes of data from multiple sources, which are entered into simulation models. Physics-informed machine learning has enhanced the ability to model more complex reservoir behaviour.

In the realm of operations and safety, various AI and machine learning techniques are being applied to production forecasting. Recently, Exxon-Mobil’s AI-powered demand forecasting model was reported to have reduced forecast errors by 25%. The use of AI can also allow operations, monitoring and control to be carried out remotely. A typical oil platform hosts tens of thousands of sensors, generating terabytes of data. Analysing and leveraging this data from a centralised remote location can increase efficiency and safety and reduce the costs of operations. Cloud computing facilitates the remote analysis of datasets, remote operational decisions and the creation of digital twins.

In terms of cost reduction, AI-led interventions could reduce the costs of finding, developing and operating a new deepwater offshore project by up to 10%, the IEA estimates.

In the area of emissions reduction, AI is being deployed to boost data processing techniques to detect and quantify emissions. For example, automated AI-driven methane emitter monitoring systems using two satellites were recently deployed at the International Methane Emissions Observatory’s Methane Alert and Response System, the IEA notes.

A particularly promising area is in rapidly detecting fugitive emissions, which comprise around 20% of methane emissions from oil and gas operations. These leaks can usually be repaired quickly once found. Leak detection and repair programmes, involving optical gas imaging cameras or the use of airborne and satellite observations can be enhanced with AI, allowing large amounts of data collected to be processed much more quickly.

Another important possible deployment of AI is to improve the planning of CCUS projects; by enhancing reservoir models, additional computing power and AI can provide more certainty around the efficacy and costs of long-term CO2 storage, the IEA notes.

https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai

mobile_stacking_bridge_with_piles_of_iron_ore

TAKRAF Mobile Stacking Bridge (MSB) as part of a DST solution for iron ore tailings in Mauritania. (Image source: TAKRAF)

Industry

Sustainable mining in the Middle East: How the dry stacking of tailings enhances safety and water conservation

As safety and water conservation become top priorities for the global mining industry, Dry Stack Tailings (DST) solutions are gaining momentum as the preferred method for tailings management

TAKRAF Group, a global leader in mining, material handling and minerals processing solutions, offers cutting-edge DST systems that provide a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional tailings storage facilities. With the Middle East’s increasing focus on responsible resource management, investors and mine operators are exploring innovative approaches to increase safety, maximise water efficiency and mitigate environmental risks.

Revolutionising tailings management with Dry Stack Tailings

DST systems eliminate the need for traditional tailings dams, which pose significant safety and environmental risks. By removing most of the water from the tailings and being able to stack the material, DST solutions drastically reduce the risk of catastrophic dam failures, groundwater contamination and excessive water loss through seepage or evaporation. They also decrease the fresh water input requirements of an operation by increase the reuse of process water that would otherwise have been wasted and lost. The adoption of a DST solution is particularly critical in arid regions such as the Middle East, where water scarcity is a pressing concern.

Key advantages of DST solutions include:

• Enhanced safety: Eliminates the risk of dam failure and tailings runout, making mining operations safer for workers and surrounding communities.
• Water conservation: Reduces water consumption by enabling process water recycling, which is vital in water-stressed regions.
• Minimal environmental footprint: Requires a smaller land area compared to conventional tailings storage facilities.
• Regulatory and public approval: Meets stringent environmental regulations and improves public perception of mining operations.
• Easier closure and rehabilitation: Facilitates faster and more cost-effective mine site rehabilitation at the end of operations.

TAKRAF Group: A one-stop DST solutions provider

TAKRAF Group offers comprehensive DST solutions that cover every aspect of tailings management. From thickening and filtration to material handling and stacking and from single equipment pieces to integrated systems, the Group’s approach ensures seamless implementation of DST solutions. The Group provides:
• DELKOR thickeners: High-rate, high-density and paste thickeners for efficient tailings dewatering.
• Filtration technologies: DELKOR Horizontal Belt Filters and/or DELKOR Filter Presses designed to maximise water recovery.
• Advanced material handling solutions: Conveyors, grasshoppers, mobile trippers, mobile stacking bridges and spreaders tailored to specific site requirements.

Proven success in DST implementation

TAKRAF Group has a strong track record of successful DST implementations worldwide. One of the company’s landmark projects in Brazil set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating the viability of DST as a long-term solution for responsible tailings management. Additionally, TAKRAF has conducted pilot studies and implemented equipment in large-scale DST systems in Mexico, Mauritania and other regions, helping clients achieve sustainability goals while ensuring operational efficiency.

Driving the future of sustainable mining in the Middle East

As mining operations in the Middle East face growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, TAKRAF Group’s DST solutions provide a viable pathway to achieving water conservation, regulatory compliance and enhanced safety. With decades of experience and a global network of technical support, TAKRAF Group is uniquely positioned to help mine operators transition to a safer and more sustainable future.

For investors, regulators and mine operators seeking to embrace environmentally responsible tailings management, Dry Stack Tailings represent a forward-thinking solution that aligns with the region’s long-term sustainability goals.

For more information on TAKRAF Group’s DST capabilities, visit https://www.takraf.com/expertise/dry-stack-tailings-management

The discoveries are in the Western Desert. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Exploration & Production

Khalda Petroleum makes three new discoveries in Egypt

Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced that Khalda Petroleum Company has made three new oil and gas discoveries in the Western Desert

According to a ministry statement, the discoveries are expected to produce nearly 12mn barrels of oil equivalent and 4mn barrels of recoverable reserves.

The ministry said the three discoveries are estimated to produce 2,750 barrels of oil and condensates and 20mn cubic feet of gas per day.

The discoveries will raise the gas production of Khalda Petroleum Company, a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and US Apache Corporation, to over 480mn cubic feet.

At its General Assembly meeting in March, Khalda Petroleum Company chairman Saeed Abdel Moneim said the company is planning to invest around US$1bn during FY 2024/25 and achieved 10 oil discoveries during the first half of the current fiscal year, which have added reserves estimated at approximately 35mn barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe).

This year has seen a high level of exploration and production activity in Egypt. Earlier this year, bp announced it had discovered substantial oil and natural gas reserves in the King Mariout offshore block in the northern Mediterranean. bp also announced the start of production ahead of schedule from the second development phase of the Raven field, part of the West Nile Delta (WND) project offshore Egypt, in late February. The project involves the subsea tieback of additional Raven infill wells to its existing onshore infrastructure. The new wells are expected to produce around 220bn cubic feet of gas and 7mn barrels of condensate.

In January, ExxonMobil Egypt, a subsidiary of U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil, announced it had made a gas discovery as part of a drilling campaign in the North Marakia Block offshore Egypt.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is currently evaluating bids for 13 exploration and production areas, with offers totalling more than US$700mn in expected investments. These cover four blocks in the Mediterranean, and nine blocks onshore. The ministry is reported to be preparing to launch new investment opportunities, including additional exploration areas and mature fields, through the open acreage system. It is actively encouraging international energy companies to boost production by leveraging advanced technologies.

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Schlumberger launches new multiphase flowmeter during ADIPEC

Schlumberger launched a new surface multiphase flowmeter that uses full-spectrum analysis during this week’s ADIPEC 2013

The Vx Spectra* surface multiphase flowmeter was unveiled during a launch event at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Oil Review spoke to Marcus Suzart Ungaretti Rossi, multiphase metering product champion at Schlumberger, about the innovative new product.

Please could you give us a brief over view of Schlumberger's new Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter?

The Schlumberger Vx Spectra* surface multiphase flowmeter uses full-spectrum analysis to accurately measure oil, gas, and water flow rates without phase separation. Specifically designed for surface installations, the compact Vx Spectra flowmeter saves space on production facilities when compared with conventional metering systems. Its modular design and advanced electronics increase reliability to minimise downtime and reduce operational costs.

How exactly does the Vx Spectra ensure more accurate flow rate measurement?

The new surface multiphase flowmeter uses full-gamma spectroscopy to precisely measure across all energy levels of the gamma-source spectrum, providing the most accurate individual oil, gas, and water fraction measurements to date. The Vx Spectra flowmeter measures at high frequency and at a single point in the venturi throat. This technique ensures accurate and repeatable flow rate measurements in any multiphase flow conditions and in production fluids ranging from heavy oil to gas condensate.

How long has the Vx Spectra taken to develop and what challenges did you have to overcome to bring it to market?

The research and development of the Vx Spectra started in 2010 using the mechanical, fluid dynamics and nuclear physics expertise from three Schlumberger Technology Centres – Norway, France and the UK. The main challenges during the development of the Vx Spectra were to gain a complete understanding of full gamma-ray spectroscopy in multiphase flow and the elimination of historical metering segmentation between multiphase and wet gas. Additionally, operational experiences from Vx* technology were applied for hardware improvement, making the new flowmeter more compact, developing an innovative modular design that allows easier and faster maintenance during production flow at the well site.

Once the data is acquired via the Vx Spectra, how can it best be managed and analysed by users?

Users can store, manage, and monitor real-time production data using the Vx Spectra software platform. With a standard interface connected to the operator’s infrastructure, multiple users at remote locations can monitor and analyse production data measurements provided by the Vx Spectra. This application uses high-frequency production measurements, analysing historical and real-time data through functional and integrated workflows linked to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, historians, and corporate databases.

What impact do you believe or hope that the Vx Spectra will have on the market?

The Vx multiphase metering technology has been widely accepted with an extensive track record. The launch of the Vx Spectra brings enhanced, proven performances along with new sizes and a configurable design, thus it is widely applicable for continuous production monitoring, periodic production testing, fiscal allocation, well performance evaluation and artificial lift system optimisation in both land and offshore operations.

*Mark of Schlumberger

Exploration & Production

The discoveries are in the Western Desert. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Exploration & Production

Khalda Petroleum makes three new discoveries in Egypt

Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has announced that Khalda Petroleum Company has made three new oil and gas discoveries in the Western Desert

According to a ministry statement, the discoveries are expected to produce nearly 12mn barrels of oil equivalent and 4mn barrels of recoverable reserves.

The ministry said the three discoveries are estimated to produce 2,750 barrels of oil and condensates and 20mn cubic feet of gas per day.

The discoveries will raise the gas production of Khalda Petroleum Company, a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and US Apache Corporation, to over 480mn cubic feet.

In January, ExxonMobil Egypt, a subsidiary of U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil, announced it had made a gas discovery as part of a drilling campaign in the North Marakia Block offshore Egypt.

The new discoveries are in the Eastern Region and Empty Quarter. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Aramco makes new oil and gas discoveries

The KM-250 expansion project is set to boost capacity by a further 50%. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Production set to grow at Khor Mor field, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Industry

Offshore rig attrition by type and annual marketed utilisation. (Image source: Westwood)

Industry

Offshore rig market sees tailing off in demand: Westwood

Saudi Aramco’s suspension of over 30 jackup contracts by up to one year is a factor behind the tailing off in demand in the offshore rig market, according to new research from Westwood

This suspension is related to the deferral of some expansion projects following the decision to maintain maximum sustainable capacity at 12 mn bpd rather than raise it to 13mn bpd as originally planned.

Other factors behind the dampening of offshore rig market demand are the entry of newbuild rigs in the market and the deferment of several long-term deepwater drilling and P&A projects.

With the combination of a drop in demand and increase in supply, marketed utilisation fell to 88% as of March 2025, representing a fall of 6% in less than two years.
Westwood predicts utilisation of the combined jackup, semisub and drillship segments to fall further this year to around 85%, making it likely that more rigs could permanently be removed from the active drilling fleet this year.

So far this year, nine rigs have been confirmed for removal from the active fleet: four jackups, three semisubs and two modern ultra-deepwater drillships.

The average age of assets retired from the fleet has continued to reduce for floating rigs, but not for jackups. Along with falling utilisation and age, factors increasing the likelihood of a rig being scrapped are limited future prospects, being without work or cold-stacked for some time, and being due for a five-yearly special periodic survey (SPS), which can be expensive.

Other factors can be one-off designs in a contractor’s fleet, where they may not be able to spread spare parts costs etc, outdated designs, and mergers between owners, which can lead to the streamlining of fleets.

“To sum up, due to the reduction in jackup, drillship and semisub demand and utilisation this year, we will likely see more assets moved to cold stack due to not having follow-on commitments in place,” concludes Westwood. “Meanwhile, further M&A activity could also be in the works.

“These factors we believe will spur further older, idle and surplus assets to be removed from the fleet, which in the long run may help set the stage for a stronger recovery in utilisation from the second half of 2026 onwards, when Westwood expects to see a rebound in demand.”

The partnership will enhance the availability and quality of rotating equipment repairs and services across Qatar. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Sulzer partners with Manweir WLL in Qatar

Graph_representing_share_of_energy_sources_in_Saudi_power_mix

Share of energy sources in Saudi Arabia's power mix. (Image source: Rystad Energy)

Gas displacing oil for Saudi Arabia power generation

Petrochemicals

The petrochemical industry stands at a pivotal juncture. (Image source: Synergy Consulting)

Petrochemicals

Petrochemicals in the energy transition

As the world pivots towards a low-carbon future, the petrochemical industry finds itself at a crossroads, balancing growth prospects with evolving regulatory and sustainability challenges

The global energy transition is reshaping industries, compelling them to integrate clean energy solutions alongside their continued reliance on fossil fuels. While much of the focus has been on the deceleration of oil and gas consumption as primary energy sources, petrochemicals remain a critical segment with sustained demand projected well into the coming decades.

This sector, heavily dependent on fossil fuel-based feedstocks, produces essential chemicals that form the backbone of numerous industries, including plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike transportation fuels, whose consumption forecasts have fluctuated, petrochemicals are expected to witness steady demand with fewer disruptions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that petrochemicals will account for more than a third of oil demand growth by 2030, primarily driven by rising consumption in developing economies. In India, for example, demand for key petrochemicals such as ethylene and propylene is expected to increase two- to three-fold over the next two decades, fueled by urbanisation, industrial expansion, and the drive for decarbonisation.

Complex sustainability imperatives

However, this growth trajectory exists alongside increasing scrutiny of the industry’s environmental footprint. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening climate policies, imposing restrictions on single-use plastics, and advancing circular economy initiatives. As a result, petrochemical producers must navigate complex sustainability imperatives while maintaining competitiveness.

The environmental impact of petrochemical production has become a focal point for policymakers, investors, and consumers. The industry accounts for approximately 18% of global industrial carbon emissions, with energy-intensive processes such as refining and steam cracking being major contributors. Key challenges include:
• Regulatory pressures: Carbon pricing mechanisms, plastic bans, and stricter emissions controls are being implemented globally, increasing production costs and pressuring profit margins.
• Circular economy and recycling: Advances in chemical recycling, biodegradable alternatives, and closed-loop manufacturing systems threaten to reduce reliance on virgin petrochemical feedstocks, reshaping traditional demand patterns.
• Investor sentiment: ESG-focused investment strategies are compelling oil majors and petrochemical producers to present credible decarbonisation roadmaps, with capital allocation increasingly favouring companies with sustainable practices.

To ensure long-term viability, petrochemical producers are exploring multiple strategic pathways:
• Feedstock diversification: Investments in bio-based and recycled feedstocks are gaining traction as companies seek to lower emissions and align with sustainability goals.
• Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU): The integration of CCU technologies is emerging as a key solution to mitigate emissions, though economic feasibility remains a challenge.
• Advanced materials innovation: Research into high-performance polymers, biodegradable plastics, and alternative chemicals is accelerating, offering new avenues for growth beyond conventional petrochemicals.
• Integration with renewable energy: Shifting production facilities towards renewable power sources and hydrogen-based processes is becoming a priority for reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.

The petrochemical industry stands at a pivotal juncture, balancing robust demand with the imperative to adapt to a rapidly evolving regulatory and sustainability landscape. While traditional growth drivers remain intact, companies that embrace innovation, diversify feedstocks, and integrate low-carbon solutions will emerge as industry leaders. The coming decade will serve as a litmus test for the sector’s resilience, ultimately shaping its role in a decarbonising world.

This article is authored by Synergy Consulting IFA.

AquaChemie_leadership_at_its_new_manufacturing_facility

The facility is built on a 25,804 sqm site. (image source: AquaChemie)

AquaChemie's ambitious endeavours to power Abu Dhabi's oil and gas industry

Image of two man standing behind podiums

The contract is for the UAE's first methanol plant. (Image source: TA'ZIZ)

SAMSUNG E&A awarded contract for UAE's first methanol plant

Technology

oil_worker_looking_at_screen_and_refinery

Industry 4.0 is transforming operations in the oil and gas sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Technology

Revolutionising operations with AI and advanced technologies

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Darius Ngo, Fellow and Senior Vice President - Yokogawa Global Business Consulting, discusses how the company is helping to transform the oil and gas sector through AI and advanced technologies

How are AI and advanced technologies transforming the oil and gas sector, and how can they help companies to operate more efficiently, safely and sustainably?

Industry 4.0 is transforming businesses through digitisation and the use of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies embedded solutions has demonstrated to revolutionise the oil and gas sector by enhancing the production efficiency, safety and sustainability of business processes. Industrial AI and advanced solutions are generally pivotal in predictive maintenance, enabling real-time monitoring and early detection of equipment anomalies. This proactive approach minimises downtime, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances overall operational efficiency.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Yokogawa, in collaboration with JSR Corporation, has successfully operated a process plant autonomously for more than 35 consecutive days since 2022 using reinforcement learning AI. This marked the first instance where AI managed plant operations without human intervention, optimising for quality, yield, energy efficiency, and responsiveness to disturbances. With a stronger demand of Industrial AI, a robust composable platform is evolving and enables integration of AI for edge computing, facilitating immediate data processing and predictive analysis, which is crucial for energy-intensive sectors like oil and gas and power. This holistic approach leverages AI, cloud solutions, IoT, and real-time data analytics to create connected and efficient operations, driving innovation and sustainable growth within the oil and gas industry.

How do you view the receptiveness of Middle East operators to AI and the latest digital solutions, and how do you view the market in the region’s oil and gas sector for your solutions? Are there any projects you would like to highlight?

The Middle East's oil and gas sector is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Leading regional operators such as Saudi Aramco and ADNOC have already made significant investments in AI technologies, focusing on enhanced efficiency and resource optimisation to gain competitiveness in the global market.

Yokogawa recognises the Middle East as a pivotal region in the global oil and gas sector, reflecting its strategic importance through significant investments and an established local presence. Many of the local operators are already users of Yokogawa’s advanced solutions and they are accelerating adoption of embedded AI to drive Industrial Automation to Industrial Autonomy (IA2IA). Yokogawa’s solutions and robust integration capability have repeatedly demonstrated to improvise safety, productivity and sustainability.

In Yokogawa, we are pleased to have successfully implemented Yokogawa’s AI/FKDPP reinforcement learning and advanced digital solutions among the Middle East regional operating companies. This embedded AI technology has transformed operations into full autonomy in process control without human intervention. This has also expedited the next phase of generative AI combined with large language models (LLM) for an AI-based OT intelligent advisory system.

See the full interview in the latest edition of Oil Review Middle East here:

The collaboration will combine Weatherford's software and hardware solutions with AIQ's AI-driven systems. (Image source: AIQ)

AIQ partners with Weatherford to drive operational excellence

AI has applications throughout the value chain in the oil and gas sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Transforming oil and gas operations with AI

Webinar

Unmanned surface vehicle (USV) on the sea

The webinar highlighted SAFEEN Green - a revolutionary new USV. (Image source: AD Ports Group)

Webinar

SAFEEN Group webinar addresses future of offshore operations

Oil Review Middle East hosted a very well-attended webinar on 20 November on the future of offshore operations, in association with SAFEEN Group, part of AD Ports Group

The webinar explored the latest trends and challenges in the rapidly evolving world of offshore operations, focusing on groundbreaking innovations that are driving sustainable and efficient practices. In particular, it highlighted SAFEEN Green – a revolutionary unmanned surface vessel (USV), setting new benchmarks for sustainable and efficient maritime operations.

Erik Tonne, MD and head of Market Analysis at Clarksons, gave an overview of the offshore market, highlighting that current oil price levels are supportive for offshore developments, and global offshore capex is increasing strongly. The Middle East region will see significant capex increase over the coming years, with the need for rigs and vessels likely to remain high. Offshore wind is also seeing increased spending. Global rig activity is growing, while the subsea EPC backlog has never been higher, with regional EPC contracts seeing very high activity. Tonne forecast that demand for subsea vessels and other support vessels will continue to increase.

Tareq Abdulla Al Marzooqi, CEO SAFEEN Subsea, AD Ports Group, introduced SAFEEN Subsea, a joint venture with NMDC, which offers reliable and innovative survey, subsea and offshore solutions to support major offshore and EPC projects across the region. He highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, internationalisation and local content, and how it is a hub for innovations and new ideas, taking conceptual designs and converting them to commercial projects. A key project is SAFEEN Green, which offers an optimised inspection and survey solution.

Tareq Al Marzooqi and Ronald J Kraft, CTO, Sovereign Global Solutions ME and RC Dock Engineering BV. outlined the benefits and capabilities of SAFEEN Green as compared with commercial vessels, in terms of safety, efficiency, profitability and sustainability. It is 30-40% more efficient through the use of advanced technologies, provides a safer working environment given it is operated 24/7 remotely from a control centre, and offers swappable payload capacity. Vessels are containerised and can be transported easily to other regions. In terms of fuel consumption, the vessel is environment-friendly and highly competitive, reducing emissions by 90% compared with conventional vessels, with the ability to operate on 100% biofuel.

As for future plans, SAFEEN Green 2.0 is under development, which will be capable of carrying two inspection work-class ROVs simultaneously. A priority will be to collect data to create functional AI models for vessels and operations, with the first agent-controlled payload systems in prospect by around 2027.

To view the webinar, go to https://alaincharles.zoom.us/rec/share/mNHjZhAhQzn1sPzmFWZCgrq7_SckfLRcSb4w81I7aVlokO9sgHM_zVeOqgN3DgJS.bO4OIRqNeFP09SPu?startTime=1732095689000

Oil rig in the sea with smaller rig in the background against blue sky

The webinar explored how AI surveillance applications can enhance operational efficiency and improve standards in onshore and offshore operations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Enhancing oil and gas operations with advanced video analytics

The webinar covered the latest advancements in industrial analytics tools. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

dataPARC webinar highlights the power of industrial analytics

Energy Transition

The mobile CycloneCC unit was installed on site in under a week. (Image source: Carbon Clean)

Energy Transition

Carbon Clean announces successful deployment of CycloneCC carbon capture technology

UK-headquartered Carbon Clean has announced the successful completion of the world’s first industrial deployment of its CycloneCC carbon capture technology at the Al Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi

CycloneCC is Carbon Clean’s breakthrough modular technology, which provides a viable alternative to conventional carbon capture plants. Process intensification reduces mass transfer equipment by a factor of 10, decreasing the overall footprint by up to 50%. The combination of rotating packed beds (RPBs) and Carbon Clean’s proprietary amine-promoted buffer salt APBS-CDRMax solvent increases the efficiency of the carbon capture process while delivering extremely high performance.

The mobile CycloneCC unit was installed on site in under a week at Fertiglobe’s nitrogen fertiliser plant in the Al Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi – a record for the carbon capture sector.

The CO2 captured from a reformer flue gas stack has been used by Fertiglobe in urea production.

The modular unit has achieved the major milestone of around 4,000 operating hours over a six-month period. CycloneCC has been operating continuously, delivering a high purity CO2 product, which exceeds the projected target and meets Fertiglobe’s CO2 purity requirements.

System validation has confirmed that the industrial demonstration unit can now be further scaled up and commercialised.

Leveraging Carbon Clean-developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) has contributed to the plant’s increased reliability and availability, as well as maximising the performance of the solvent. The plant has been operating in open loop mode, with human operators implementing AI-suggested recommendations.

Aniruddha Sharma, chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, said, “Fertiglobe’s willingness to invest in first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects cements its status as a decarbonisation pioneer. Our collaboration with Fertiglobe for this industrial demonstration unit is a major step towards CycloneCC’s full commercialisation, so that it can be deployed at scale globally. Installing a carbon capture plant in less than a week is a feat never achieved before. We’re excited to have delivered this industry first in carbon capture.”

Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe, added, “At Fertiglobe, creating value via sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to meeting the increasing global demand for low-carbon solutions, which bring us closer to a more sustainable future. This collaboration with Carbon Clean at our facility in Al Ruwais reflects our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies, including AI, to advance our decarbonisation goals and meet rising global demand for our products.”

Aramco is exploring options to capture CO2 both at the point of emissions and directly from the atmosphere. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Aramco launches CO2 DAC test unit

Fadi Al-Shihabi, partner, sustainability solutions leader, KPMG Middle East. (Image source: KPMC Middle East.)

TotalEnergies will support the refinery with its global oil and feedstock supply capacity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

TotalEnergies extends support to Bapco Energies on Sitra refinery

Ampelmann’s portfolio of gangways is ready for operations on any type of floating structure. (Image source: Ampelmann)

Marine access to single point buoy moorings

HE Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, the president of Oman Investment Authority (OIA)

Duqm Refinery set to change the Gulf energy landscape

Comparison of conventional workflow with DUG MP-FWI imaging. (Image source: DUG)

New FWI technology from DUG replaces traditional processing and imaging workflows

Human factors need to be taken into account when addressing safety. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hazards or human error? A fresh look at safety in the Middle East

By using analytics to augment and empower the workforce, pipeline operators can optimise operations and improve asset availability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Optimising pipeline operations

The new range has been launched in response to the demand for compact and lightweight lifeboats. (Image source: VIKING)

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment launches new range of space-saving lifeboats

The programme will optimise asset lifecycle, enhance machinery performance and improve overall reliability. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

KBR wins asset condition monitoring contract from Petro Rabigh

The system can activate notification and hazard mitigation equipment to notify workers and safeguard facilities. (Image source: MSA Safety)

MSA Safety launches SENTRY io Controller

TotalEnergies and SONATRACH will develop gas resources in Algeria's north-east Timimoun region, (Image source: Adobe Stock).

TotalEnergies and SONATRACH sign MoU to develop gas resources

The programme is designed to strengthen leadership and safety culture in the oil and gas industry> (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Safety Leadership Academy for oil and gas industry launched

To improve differentiation, hard hats can be customised with different colours and logos. (Image source: MSA Safety)

More than just a hard hat

The expansion is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 2.5 to up to 4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd). (Image source: Aramco)