Eastlack ... currently appraising Khaleej Al Bahrain

Tatweer Petroleum continues to maintain oil and gas production levels with remarkable achievements that include the commissioning of the Central Gas Dehydration Facility and drilling of additional oil and non-associated gas wells


The preliminary results of the test wells at Khaleej Al Bahrain Basin (KAB), where Bahrain last year discovered at least 80 billion barrels of tight oil and between 10 and 20 trillion cubic feet of deep natural gas, are expected in the next few months, says Jim Eastlack, CEO of Tatweer Petroleum, the upstream oil operator of the Kingdom of Bahrain whose goal is to increase the production of oil and the availability of gas in Bahrain to meet the future energy demands of the kingdom.

'The resulting data will be used to update our models in order to aid in planning the development further and attracting potential collaboration with investors and IOCs (international oil companies),' says Eastlack in an exclusive interview with OGN.


Excerpts from the interview:

What were the highlights of Tatweer’s operations in 2019?

Tatweer Petroleum continues to maintain oil and gas production levels with remarkable achievements that include the commissioning of the Central Gas Dehydration Facility and drilling of additional oil and non-associated gas wells. This year has also marked the start of a successful trial to drill unconventional crude production wells in cooperation with a well-renowned service company. Tatweer Petroleum is continuing to work on various crude oil and gas production enhancement projects to maintain, if not increase, production despite challenges faced.


When is Tatweer Petroleum planning to drill the first pre-Unayzah appraisal well so as to achieve an initial production in 2020?

Deployment of the rig and preparations are underway. Drilling operations have been projected to start soon.


At what stage is the bidding for the mapping of Tatweer’s underground gas distribution network?

The Gas Distribution Network Mapping Project is currently in the evaluation phase. Pilot studies have been conducted and the results are currently being assessed. Once the assessments are completed, a winning bidder will be selected to begin the execution of the project, which is scheduled to start next year.


What are the key aspects of the MoU signed between Total and Tatweer Petroleum?

The key aspect of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Total and Tatweer Petroleum is to agree to cooperate in progressing oil and gas exploration opportunities, in particular the Khaleej Al-Bahrain Basin.


Conservatively when can we expect Bahrain to start shale oil production and what role will Tatweer play in the development of shale?

As stated by His Excellency Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Oil, we are still on schedule with forming the initial development plan, anticipated five years from the date of the announcement of the discovery. Currently, we are appraising the asset with possible collaboration with international oil companies.


What is the progress on the letter of intent signed with Chevron, covering a joint evaluation study of the Khaleej Al Bahrain basin and potential liquefied natural gas (LNG) procurement opportunities?

A number of technical studies and discussions are currently taking place, the results of which might lead to a potential collaboration in operations depending on the final outcome.


In relation to Khaleej al Bahrain Basin (KAB), kindly provide us with details of your appraisal campaign aimed at delineating the resources extent and gathering sufficient geological and production data from the basin.

The first appraisal wells of the KAB field have been drilled in one of the areas this year. We are planning to drill more appraisal wells in other areas over the next few years.


Having drilled and fracked a test well targeting the resources at KAB, when do you expect the testing results of this well to be available?

The preliminary results of the KAB test wells are expected in the next few months. The resulting data will be used to update our models in order to aid in planning the development further and attracting potential collaboration with investors and IOCs.


How many more additional test appraisal wells do you plan to drill so as to meet the projected start of the initial development plan in 2022?

The number of future appraisal wells to be drilled will depend on the resulting data from studies conducted on the currently drilled wells.