Joint Event - James Arukhe - Active Oilfield Development While Preserving the Ecosystem

When:  May 19, 2021 from 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM (BA)
Associated with  Trondheim Section

Abstract:

Developing offshore oilfields has always been a challenge. How does one exploit such resources while preserving the sensitive environment? Balancing economic ambitions with environmental responsibility is illustrated with Manifa development, the largest offshore hydrocarbon development project, off Saudi Arabia’s coast. Manifa is a huge six-reservoir field stretching 45 km by 18km, lying in less than 15 metres of water. The field is capable of producing close to a million barrels of oil per day in a pristine environment.

Manifa field is not just a treasure trove of oil and gas, but also a delicate environmental habitat teeming with marine life including the endangered Hawksbill turtle, and a safe haven for migratory birds. As the oil lay just beneath the shallow waters, the field development presented a major environmental challenge.

In this DL presentation, the author will share best practices including several environmental impact studies conducted to minimize the environmental impact of developing an ecologically-delicate field, without sacrificing overall economics. To avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem, a radical new approach was undertaken. Integrated proactive sustainability concepts during construction, drilling, reservoir management and production that limit environmental impact will be presented. The project’s outcomes exemplify that economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive through proper engagements, commitments to collaboration, and environmental stewardship. The Manifa offshore project has received several prestigious environmental and project execution awards.

 

Biography:

Dr. James Arukhe, Project Lead for Saudi Aramco’s ambitious development in the world’s fifth largest offshore oilfield will advocate balancing economic ambitions with environmental responsibility using Manifa case study.  James received degrees B.Eng. Petroleum Engineering (Chevron/NNPC Scholar) University of Benin, MBA Executive, University of Lagos, and M.Sc. Petroleum Engineering (Alberta Government Scholar), University of Calgary. James received a Doctoral degree of Management in Organizational Leadership (Delta_Mu_Delta Scholar), from University of Phoenix, USA and was valedictorian for the 2015 commencement ceremony in Arizona, USA. James has pubished several papers on various subjects and filed three (intellectual) patents on smart wells, ESPs, and stimulation treatments.

Location

Norway
Online Instructions:
Url: http://pubs.spe.org/en/dl/register/21DL314/
Login: Will be distributed after sign-up. Open to SPE Norway members only.
Event Image

Contact

Dmitri Gorski
41847928
dmitri.gorski@heavelock.no