Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the completion of its 1,500th well at the Nimr cluster, a groundbreaking achievement in the Sultanate of Oman, according to local media reports.
The landmark well, known as NM-1500, is part of the expansive Nimr cluster situated in the southern region of PDO’s concession area. Covering a vast expanse of 1,875 square kilometers, Nimr is the company’s largest cluster and encompasses an extensive well stock spread across 23 fields. It plays a crucial role in PDO’s production, contributing over 12% of the company’s output, equivalent to approximately 90,000 barrels per day. Additionally, the Nimr cluster holds one of the most substantial hydrocarbon growth portfolios.
Steve Phimister, PDO’s Managing Director, emphasized the significance of this achievement, highlighting the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and maximizing value for Oman’s economy. He stated that PDO is continuously setting new benchmarks in the energy sector, with a focus on safety, cost efficiency, and carbon performance.
PDO’s Success Story at Nimr: The journey to reach NM-1500 began 43 years ago with the drilling of the discovery well, NM-1, in the Nimr-C area. This initial breakthrough was followed by the commissioning of production facilities, enabling the well to yield oil over the years, making it an enduring source of production.
Junaid Ghulam, PDO’s Oil South Petroleum Manager, acknowledged the symbolic importance of NM-1500, emphasizing the dedication and resolve of PDO’s workforce in producing oil from challenging sub-surface environments, particularly in handling heavy oil from complex formations with strong aquifers.
In recent years, Nimr has evolved into an efficient well “factory,” successfully delivering over 130 new wells annually. The operational efficiency of NM-1500 was evident as it became operational merely 15 hours after the rig move, a testament to the well-coordinated efforts at Nimr. This accomplishment was made possible through efficient operational management and effective collaboration between various teams within the company.
Noteworthy in the journey to this milestone, NM-1000, drilled in 2013, exemplifies the complexity and challenges the team has overcome. Located in the Middle Gharif sandstone reservoir, NM-1000 was drilled over a 23-day period to a total depth of 2,100 meters and is now in production. This exemplifies PDO’s capability to tackle intricate reservoirs and deliver successful results.
