ZAKUM

• Latitude: 24.8864
• Longitude: 53.6854
• Arabian Gulf
• Port in United Arab Emirates

Location: Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Emirate United Arab Emirates

Phone number: +971-2-555000

Web-site: http://www.zakumoffshoreoilport.ae

Zakum is a significant offshore oil field in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) situated in the Persian Gulf. Operated primarily by the Zakum Development Company (ZADCO), which is a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Zakum is among the largest offshore oil fields in the world.

General Description:

Zakum is divided into two main sections:

1. Upper Zakum: This is one of the world's largest offshore oil fields.
2. Lower Zakum: This is also a substantial part of the Zakum oil field complex.

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 25° North latitude and 53° East longitude.
• Proximity to Major Ports: Roughly 84 kilometers northwest of Abu Dhabi city.

Infrastructure:

• Production Facilities: Numerous platforms and artificial islands host drilling rigs, production units, and support facilities.
• Transportation: Crude oil extracted from the Zakum field is typically transported via pipelines to onshore processing facilities or loaded onto tankers directly from offshore terminals.

Specifics:

1. Production Capacity: Zakum oil field's overall production capacity is significant, with upper Zakum alone contributing up to 750,000 barrels per day (bpd).
2. Reservoir Characteristics: The field features several reservoirs, with complex geological formations.
3. Platform Specifications: It has multiple drilling and production platforms, often featuring advanced technology to enhance oil recovery and manage reservoir pressure.
4. Artificial Islands: Several artificial islands have been constructed to support enhanced extraction techniques and reduce the environmental impact.

Port and Marine Facilities:

• Loading Terminals: Offshore loading terminals capable of accommodating VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) and other large oil tankers.
• Navigational Aids: The area is equipped with necessary navigational aids for safe passage of marine vessels.
• Support Vessels: Includes supply boats, standby vessels, and emergency response ships.

Strategic Importance:

1. Energy Security: Critical for the UAE’s oil output and broader energy security.
2. Economic Impact: Substantial contribution to the UAE's GDP and oil export revenues.
3. Technological Innovations: Implementation of advanced extraction and production technologies.

Environmental Management:

• Environmental Policies: Adherence to strict environmental regulations to minimize ecological impact.
• Monitoring Systems: Continuous monitoring for oil spills and emissions to ensure compliance with international standards.

Security:

• Maritime Security: The port area is under stringent security due to its strategic importance. Patrolled by the UAE Naval Forces.
• Compliance: Meets international security standards for the protection of assets and personnel.

Operational Highlights:

• Joint Ventures: Collaboration with international oil companies for technological and financial support.
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Implementing EOR techniques to maximize extraction efficiency.

Zakum represents a cornerstone of the UAE’s oil industry and is vital for the country’s long-term energy strategy. Its robust infrastructure, combined with advanced technology and strict regulatory compliance, ensures efficient and sustainable oil production.