Conserving offshore resources a priority, says Maersk official

As oil recovery can cause severe damage to the environment, Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre says it is committed to maximising long term recovery in a safe and efficient manner from the Qatari offshore.

After 10 months of research to unlock the potential of the Al Shaheen field, the centre’s Director Soren Frank said: “We are doing it in a safe way and we don’t waste resources.”

Marking a long term investment in Qatar’s development and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) technologies, Maersk Oil established its research and technology Centre at Qatar Science and Technology Park in October 2011. “We have had success and many projects are under development,” said Frank.

The centre has invested in projects and studies for over the next 10 years, creating value to Al Shaheen’s long-term development. Work at the centre focus on technology development in horizontal wells, carbonate EOR and the offshore environment.

Advertisement

Speaking about the centre’s future work Frank said: “We are here for long term.” He explained that research at Al Shaheen field is challenging and some of their research has short time lines and others are long term projects. “Some research is for two years and others are long as fiver years,” Frank said. “We are helping more in reaching oil, but with concern about the environment,” he further said.

Studies of Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre also focus into the effects of offshore operations on the environment, fulfilling its commitment to finding ways of operating that reduce environmental impact. Their research also focuses on marine life and the study on Shark Whale population in Qatari waters is a considerable project.

The Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre is also offering training facilities for employees and at universities, helping to build cooperation with students by providing academic support and expertise. “We had two student interns from the Texas A&M – Qatar for ten months,” said Frank.

source: The Peninsula