The Belbazem offshore block is operated by Al Yasat Petroleum, a joint venture between Adnoc and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). It consists of three offshore fields: Belbazem, Umm Al Salsal and Umm Al Dholou.
Production capacity at the Belbazem offshore block is set to progressively increase to 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) of light crude and 27 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of associated gas, Adnoc said in a recent news release. The output will contribute to Adnoc’s target of reaching 5 million bpd by 2027 and enable UAE gas self-sufficiency, it added.
Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, Adnoc Upstream Executive Director, said, “The start of crude oil production from the Belbazem offshore block is testament to the success of our strategic partnership with CNPC and the robust bilateral energy relationship between the UAE and China. Adnoc continues to maximize value from Abu Dhabi’s resources, while reducing our carbon footprint to ensure a secure, reliable, and responsible supply of energy to customers locally and internationally”.
According to Adnoc, Al Yasat is pioneering the implementation of AI modelling and analysis tools across its offshore concession area. The Belbazem block uses WellInsight, an AI tool developed by AIQ, to analyze reservoir data and manage operations for enhanced safety and performance. The block will also integrate advanced technologies already deployed at Al Yasat’s Bu Haseer offshore field, to optimize production and reservoir management, Adnoc noted.
The Belbazem block uses the facilities of Satah Al Razboot (SARB), an offshore field operated by Adnoc Offshore, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impact, the company said.
Al Yasat in May 2021 awarded a $744 million (AED 2.73 billion) contract for the full field development of the Belbazem offshore block. The joint venture awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to the National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) in a tender process. As part of the process leading up to the EPC award, Al Yasat undertook a front-end engineering design (FEED) competition among the bidders to optimize the project.
The project scope included three offshore Well Head Towers, one in each of the Block’s three fields, interconnecting sub-sea pipelines, and cables to Zirku Island, located around 37.3 miles (60 kilometers) from Belbazem field. The scope also covers the development of greenfield facilities for water injection, produced water treatment, gas compression, and associated utilities as well as brownfield works for tie-in to existing facilities at Zirku Island, according to an earlier statement.
Al Yasat’s concession areas cover two blocks; one offshore and one mixed onshore/offshore. The offshore block includes oil fields at Bu Haseer, Belbazem, Umm Al Salsal, Umm Al Dholou, and Arzanah while the onshore/offshore block is located southwest of Abu Dhabi city. Bu Haseer is the first of Al Yasat’s fields to come online following the start of production in 2018, Adnoc noted.
