The official inauguration of the Greater Saqr Gathering Station by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) took place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Sultan bin Salem al Habsi, Minister of Finance.

The Greater Saqr Gathering Station, strategically located in the south of PDO’s concession area, exemplifies the company’s strategy in action—achieving sustainable growth in its core oil and gas business while concurrently reducing costs and emissions. The project, completed safely and in record time, is poised to contribute significantly to Oman’s diversified and sustainable economy.

At the heart of this initiative is the aim to maximize recovery from six satellite fields through standardized pattern development utilizing water flooding. Notably, the design of the gathering station prioritizes environmental stewardship, with zero flaring of harmful gases into the atmosphere and efficient wastewater management for reuse in injection activities within the project’s fields.

The advanced technology employed in gas and water separation, particularly the Enhanced Gas Flotation Tank by Canadian company Enerflex Water Solutions, underscores PDO’s commitment to innovation in sustainable practices. The design incorporates a 23-kilometer gas pipeline network, 11 water injection manifolds, 10 main selector valves, and over 400 wells, enabling peak production volumes of 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).

Health, safety, and environmental considerations were paramount throughout the project, resulting in an impressive 4.2 million man-hours worked without any Lost Time Injuries. The project is expected to annually reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by approximately 6,600 tonnes, aligning with PDO’s ambitious plans to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

In adherence to PDO’s commitment to the World Bank’s ‘Zero Routine Flaring By 2030’ initiative, the gathering station is designed for zero flaring. Equipped with vapor recovery units, it not only minimizes environmental impact but also retrieves and reuses gas to power the facility.

Steve Phimister, PDO Managing Director, lauded the project as an exemplary venture that will generate long-term revenue for Oman while prioritizing production efficiency and environmental protection. The successful and timely delivery of the project marks a major milestone for PDO, following a stellar 2023 marked by increased revenue, production, and safety performance.

The Design-Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (DBOOM) concept was embraced for project development, with Enerflex shouldering responsibilities for design, construction, and long-term operation and maintenance over the project’s 20-year lifespan.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the project commenced production 18 months ahead of schedule, showcasing not only an excellent safety performance but also a commitment to exceeding In-Country Value targets.

Over 80% of staff during the operational phase are nationals, and substantial financial contributions were made to local small and medium enterprises, demonstrating PDO’s dedication to fostering economic growth within Oman.