Umm Al-Dalkh

Umm Al-Dalkh Oil Field Profile

Location

The Umm Al-Dalkh oil field is located offshore in the United Arab Emirates, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi city. It lies a few kilometers east of the Umm al Lulu field and about 50 kilometers southeast of the Upper Zakum field.

Ownership and Operation

The Umm Al-Dalkh oil field is owned by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with a 60% stake, and INPEX Corporation holds the remaining 40%. The field is operated by ADNOC Offshore.

Discovery and Production History

The Umm Al-Dalkh field was discovered in 1969 and began production in 1985. It has been developed in connection with the Upper Zakum field, with crude oil extracted from Umm Al-Dalkh being transported to Upper Zakum through a 14-inch pipeline and then to Zirku Island via a 42-inch pipeline.

Field Characteristics

• Water Depth: The field is located in shallow water with a depth of approximately 69 feet.
• Reservoirs: The field consists of two reservoirs.
• Area: The field covers an area of about 168 square kilometers.

Production

• Current Production: The field has seen various production levels over the years. As of recent data, it was producing around 15,000 barrels per day (b/d) following a brownfield re-development in 2016. There are ongoing efforts to increase production, with a target to raise capacity from 13,000 b/d to 20,000 b/d.
• Peak Production: The field reached its peak production in 2005.
• Reserves: As of 2023, the remaining recoverable reserves of the field are estimated at 102.36 million barrels of crude oil.

Development Projects

• Umm Al-Dalkh Development: An expansion project, currently in the construction stage, aims to enhance the field's production capacity. This includes enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques such as gas injection and water cuts handling.
• Previous Enhancements: In 2010, Tebodin provided engineering, procurement, construction management (EPCM) services to modify existing facilities, add a new control system, install electrical submersible pumps, and other upgrades.

Contractors and Partners

• EPC Contractors: National Marine Dredging and Altrad Investment Authority are involved in the current development projects.
• Other Contractors: Tebodin has been involved in previous projects, including front-end engineering and design (FEED) for EOR expansion.

Economic and Production Outlook

• Production Continuation: Based on economic assumptions, production from the Umm Al-Dalkh field is expected to continue until the field reaches its economic limit in 2057, having already recovered 72.71% of its total recoverable reserves.
• Investment and Targets: The field's development is part of ADNOC's broader strategy to increase Abu Dhabi's crude oil production. Recent investments aim to optimize production and extend the field's lifespan.

Infrastructure

• Transportation: Crude oil from Umm Al-Dalkh is transported to Upper Zakum and then to Zirku Island for processing and export.
• Facilities: The field's production is supported by existing and upgraded facilities, including new control systems, electrical submersible pumps, and subsea power supply cables.