Oman
bp has had a presence in Oman since 2007 and stands as a major investor within the country
We’re delighted to launch the request for proposal (RFP) for our 2024-25 social investment programme. We are committed to continue driving Oman’s society towards a sustainable future and empowering Omani capabilities.
Submit your application for the bp Oman social investment programme (RFP)
We are committed to supporting Oman’s sustainable development through developing local capabilities and supporting local companies, while giving back to society
10 years of empowering Omani capabilities
We’ve launched our first social investment publication, ‘10 years of empowering Omani capabilities’, which reflects on the journey of our social investment programmes and its impact on Oman’s people.
As we strive to achieve our net zero goals by 2050, we aim to improve people’s lives and care for our planet. The book marks the decade-long journey of our social investment programmes and its impact on Oman’s people.
Together with our social investment partners, our programmes are designed to deliver on our sustainability aims and encompass several pillars of Oman’s 2040 vision, including the enhancement of Oman’s labour market, the preservation of our environment and advancing education.
We remain committed to creating a positive impact towards Oman’s communities.
What we do
Oman continues to be a strategically vital country for bp and through our various projects at bp, aim to encourage economic diversification and empower local talent.
bp has a long history of oil and gas exploration and production in the Middle East. Production from phase one of Block 61, Khazzan, started in 2017. In October 2020, production from phase two, Ghazeer, started safely, with capital discipline and significantly ahead of schedule.
Since adopting green completions approach in 2019, 406,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions were saved – equivalent to removing 89,000 cars from the road for a year.
We want to invest in new energies aligned with our aim 5. In 2022, we signed a Strategic Framework Agreement and a Renewable Data Collection Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to support the potential development of a multi-gigawatt, world-class renewable energy project in Oman by 2030.
Capacity to deliver around 35% of Oman’s total gas demand
Combined, Khazzan and Ghazeer produce 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas a day and more than 60,000 barrels a day of associated condensate. With an estimated 10.5 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources, the block has the capacity to deliver approximately 35% of Oman’s total gas demand.
The Ghazeer project
Distribution
Gas from Block 61 is distributed for domestic consumption via Oman’s national gas grid, while also boosting availability of feedstock supply for Oman LNG. bp Trading and Shipping purchases 1.1 million tonnes a year of LNG from Oman LNG under a seven-year deal that started in 2018.
Partnership
bp is the operator of Block 61 and holds a 40% interest. Makarim Gas Development Limited (OQ) holds a 30% interest, PTTEP holds 20% and PC Oman Ventures Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Petronas, holds 10%.
Timeline:
- 2007: production sharing agreement for Block 61 Khazzan field signed.
- 2007-2013: appraisal confirmed existence of significant tight gas resources.
- 2013: first phase of field development, Khazzan, sanctioned.
- 2016: bp signed an agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to amend the Block 61 Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA). This added a further 1,150km2 to the south and west of the original 2,800km2 Block 61 development, allowing a second phase of development, Ghazeer.
- September 2017: first gas from Block 61 Phase 1 Khazzan project delivered ahead of schedule.
- April 2018: second phase of field development, Ghazeer, sanctioned.
- January 2019: bp and ENI sign heads of agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman to work jointly towards a significant exploration opportunity in Block 77. Six months later an EPSA was signed.
- March 2020: royal decree permits exploration activities in Block 77 to progress, including seismic data processing and the drilling of one exploration well within the next three years.
- October 2020: first gas from Ghazeer delivered ahead of schedule, adding 0.5 bcf of daily gas production.
- February 2021: bp welcomes PTTEP to Block 61 partnership.
- September 2022: Block 61 Phase 1 Khazzan project completes 5 years of production.
- In June 2023: bp signs an agreement with Hydrom to potentially develop a green hydrogen project in Al Wusta governorate, Oman.
Outside Block 61
- In November 2023, Oman LNG signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with bp to deliver LNG for bp for 9 years, starting 2026.
- In October 2023, we initiated the first drilling activities in Block-77 after signing a joint-venture ESPA agreement with Eni.
- In January 2019, bp and ENI signed an EPSA agreement with the government to work jointly towards an exploration opportunity in Block 77.
- bp trading & shipping purchases LNG from Oman LNG under a seven-year deal that started in 2018.
- We are supplying calcined petroleum coke to Sohar Aluminum, which operates a major smelter in Sohar.
Developing our people
Our people are our most valuable asset to our success. We're committed to developing a world class team who live our values every day. To achieve this, we’re focused on developing great leaders, creating a truly global workforce and growing the right capabilities – underpinned by a safe, diverse and inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and able to deliver to the best of their abilities.
Sustainable development
We’ve launched the fourth edition of our socioeconomic review which highlights our commitment to Oman’s sustainable development as we demonstrate aim 9 – to be a leader in transparent reporting.
People at bp Oman
In July 2022 we launched our book, ‘People at bp Oman’, a celebration of development journeys and achievements.
The people-focused publication highlights bp’s commitment towards strengthening the skills and capabilities of people in Oman through our various development opportunities. This delivers on Oman’s 2040 vision of enriching the local labour market and bp’s sustainability aims of improving people’s lives. The book also looks at key statistics around staff development.
‘Omanisation’
bp is committed to the development of a national workforce in Oman. In 2022, Omani nationals represented over 92% of bp’s workforce in the Sultanate – years ahead of the growth plan of 90% by 2025. In addition, more than 70% of the leadership are Omani.
Graduate programme
The bp Challenge programme, a graduate programme, was launched in the UK in the early 1990s and was introduced to Oman in 2010. The competency-based programme is designed to prepare graduates for roles across bp Oman’s business. It helps bring consistency in leadership and technical development across the wider company.
Over 91 Omani graduates have been recruited to date via the Graduate Challenger programme. They have focused career plans as well as building skills in other disciplines.
International assignments and global roles
Working abroad is a recognized way to gain and share knowledge and experience. bp Oman currently has several staff working in some of bp’s worldwide operations, helping to boost their capabilities, including those who hold senior positions. Over the past 15 years, we have placed 42 Omanis in global roles, contributing to different regions and entities and offering more than 135 Omanis international assignments.
Technician development programme
In 2012 the company set up its Technician Development Programme, with candidates coming in from technical colleges and universities across the Sultanate to complete a four-year programme, including 18 months working towards a National Vocational Qualification. More than 100 technicians were trained, many of whom now work at Block 61 as mechanical, electrical and production engineers. Some of these technicians and graduates have also had the opportunity to work with bp’s partner OQ and Oman LNG, thanks to an agreement between the three companies.
Our commitment
bp Oman’s overall goal is to create a sustainable legacy that supports Oman’s strategic goals for energy security and long-term economic diversification, whilst empowering local people, helping create a self-sufficiency and progressive future.
Prioritizing in-country value
We’re proud to support the sustainable development of Omani society, which we do through three main strategies:
- supporting local business growth and overall economic productivity
- encouraging the development of Omani skills and capability; and
- generating employment and training opportunities.
As a result of our commitment to maximising in-country value, spend with Omani registered companies exceeded $247 million in 2022. We recognize the benefits international suppliers bring to the local market in terms of technology transfer, employment, training, and building capability to international standards.
As an example, we’re supporting a local company to become a global market leader in providing well stimulation services and compete with multinational companies in the Middle East and beyond.
Ruwad national training programme
We signed an agreement with Oman Energy Society (OPAL) and a number of our contractors to provide internship and potential employment opportunities for graduates with various energy companies in Oman. The first ‘Ruwad’ batch enabled 25 candidates to be hired.
Social investment
bp Oman’s long-standing social investment programme is a unique model that works towards serving and empowering local Omani capabilities in driving Oman towards a self-sufficient and progressive future.
Since the launch of the social investment programmes in 2014, we have positively impacted the lives of over 170,000 people through more than 150 initiatives. Our initiatives are delivered under three main themes: enterprise development, education and energy sustainability.
bp’s office in Oman
BP Exploration (Epsilon) Ltd
PO Box 1649, PC 130 (Al Aziba) Muscat
Bait Salam Building
Sultanate of Oman
Office: (00968) 22839000
