Muscat, Oman – In a significant development for Oman’s oil industry, Masirah Oil has successfully installed and commissioned a new flowline at the Yumna Field in Block 50 offshore Oman. This advancement is expected to enhance production efficiency and marks a pivotal step in overcoming previous operational challenges.
The Yumna Field, discovered in 2014, has been a cornerstone of Oman’s offshore oil production since achieving first oil in February 2020. Operated solely by Masirah Oil, a subsidiary of Rex International, the field has experienced both milestones and hurdles in its production journey. With the commissioning of the new flowline, Masirah Oil aims to stabilize production levels and improve the reliability of its offshore operations.
Overcoming Operational Challenges
The journey to this achievement was not without obstacles. In late October 2023, production was abruptly halted due to damage to the internal pressure-containing liner of a newly installed, larger flowline. The manufacturer confirmed that the flowline’s hose integrity had been compromised, leading to an immediate cessation of operations. This incident was particularly challenging as it followed a previous shutdown in August 2023, caused by a leak in a flexible flowline connecting the mobile offshore production unit (MOPU) to the floating storage and offloading unit (FSO).
In response to the initial setback, Masirah Oil replaced the compromised line with a more robust, larger flowline, resuming production in September 2023. However, the subsequent damage in October necessitated an urgent response to restore production. The company expedited the installation of a replacement flowline and, by December 2023, had successfully brought the new line into operation, allowing production to resume. During this period, the Yumna Field achieved an average gross production of 1,890 stock tank barrels per day (stb/d) over a 22-day production period.
Technical Enhancements and Upgrades
The successful commissioning of the new flowline is part of a broader strategy by Masirah Oil to enhance production efficiency and operational resilience at the Yumna Field. In late 2024, the company implemented several technical upgrades aimed at addressing production challenges and optimizing output.
Among these upgrades was the installation of a bulk water system at the Yumna Field offshore complex. This system was designed to manage water production more effectively, a critical aspect of maintaining reservoir pressure and ensuring consistent oil recovery rates. Additionally, Masirah Oil commissioned gas-lift systems to support production from wells experiencing natural pressure declines. Gas lift is a widely used technique to artificially lift hydrocarbons by injecting gas into the wellbore, reducing the density of the fluid column and allowing oil to flow more freely.
These enhancements played a crucial role in improving operating efficiency and increasing production capacity. By mitigating the challenges associated with water production and declining reservoir pressure, the upgrades have allowed the Yumna Field to sustain higher production levels and reduce downtime.
Improved Production Performance
Following the commissioning of the new flowline and the implementation of technical upgrades, the Yumna Field reported a significant improvement in production performance. In January 2025, the field achieved a gross production average of 2,333 stb/d, reflecting a substantial increase compared to previous months. This uptick in production underscores the effectiveness of the new flowline and associated systems in stabilizing output and enhancing operational efficiency.
The improved performance is also a testament to the resilience of Masirah Oil’s operational strategy. By swiftly addressing technical challenges and investing in infrastructure upgrades, the company has demonstrated a proactive approach to managing offshore production risks. The decision to replace the damaged flowline with a larger and more durable variant highlights Masirah Oil’s commitment to ensuring the reliability and safety of its offshore operations.
Strategic Importance for Oman
The successful installation of the new flowline at the Yumna Field holds strategic significance for Oman’s oil industry. As one of the key offshore assets in the country, the Yumna Field contributes to Oman’s broader objective of maintaining steady oil production levels and supporting economic growth through energy exports. The field’s enhanced production capacity is expected to bolster Oman’s overall oil output, providing a valuable source of revenue and strengthening the nation’s energy sector.
Oman’s offshore oil reserves have become increasingly vital as the country seeks to diversify its energy portfolio and maximize the potential of its hydrocarbon resources. The ability to maintain and enhance production from fields like Yumna is crucial to achieving these goals. The recent developments at the Yumna Field also align with Oman’s Vision 2040, which emphasizes the importance of sustainable and technologically advanced energy production.
Masirah Oil’s efforts to improve production efficiency and operational resilience at the Yumna Field are indicative of a broader trend in the oil and gas industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on optimizing existing assets rather than solely pursuing new explorations. The adoption of advanced production techniques, such as gas lift systems and enhanced flowline technology, reflects a commitment to maximizing recovery rates from mature fields.
Future Outlook and Challenges
Looking ahead, Masirah Oil plans to continue monitoring the performance of the new flowline and associated systems to ensure sustained operational efficiency. The company is also exploring additional enhancements that could further boost production capacity and recovery rates from the Yumna Field. Among the potential upgrades being considered are more advanced subsea infrastructure and improved water handling capabilities, which would enable the field to cope more effectively with increasing water cuts as production progresses.
However, challenges remain. The offshore oil sector is inherently complex and subject to risks ranging from equipment failures to fluctuating oil prices. Ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the new flowline will require ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and investment. Additionally, Masirah Oil must navigate the logistical and environmental challenges associated with offshore production, including regulatory compliance and minimizing the environmental footprint of its operations.
The broader context of Oman’s oil industry also presents challenges. As global energy markets continue to evolve, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources and sustainability, Oman’s oil producers, including Masirah Oil, face the task of balancing short-term production goals with long-term sustainability strategies. Adapting to these changes while maintaining competitive production costs will be critical for the future success of the Yumna Field and Oman’s offshore oil sector as a whole.
Conclusion
The installation and commissioning of the new flowline at the Yumna Field mark a noteworthy achievement for Masirah Oil and Oman’s offshore oil sector. Overcoming previous operational challenges, the field’s enhanced production capacity underscores the importance of continuous technical innovation and strategic planning in the energy industry. As Masirah Oil continues to optimize operations and explore further enhancements, the Yumna Field is poised to remain a vital asset in Oman’s oil production landscape.
By investing in advanced infrastructure and demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management, Masirah Oil has set a strong precedent for the future of offshore oil production in Oman. The success of the new flowline not only boosts confidence in the company’s operational capabilities but also reinforces Oman’s position as a significant player in the regional oil market.
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