Goals set for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is underway with a massive offshore drilling program in its upper Zakum Field. As many as 300 wells will be drilled there in the next 5 to 7 yr. The major goal is to raise current field production of 50,000 bpd to 500,000 bpd, or to about half the projected capacity of upper Zakum. Production is slated to peak by the mid-1980's. Total cost for development will be $2 to $3 billion, including huge water injection facilities to maintain low reservoir pressures. Operated by the New Joint Venture Company, Zakum Development Co. (ZAD Co.), formed by CFP-Total and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNUC), there are already 4 major drilling companies under contract and at work in the field. Zapata and Offshore International each have 2 rigs working in the field, while Penrod and Transworld each operate one. Zadco recently let a $500 million contract to R.J. Brown and Associates for design and construction management of a 740-mile pipeline complex to tie Zakum together. Included in the project are four 12-in. Flowlines for oil gathering and water injection which total 560 miles, and 62 miles that make up twelve 24-in. trunklines that tie together various satellite platforms andmore » a central complex. A 37-mile, 42-in. main oil line will run from the central production platform to Zirku Is., and three 48-in. lines will extend from the island to offshore loading berths.« less