Upper Zakum Expansion Project (UZ750)

The Upper Zakum Oil Field is the largest producing field in ADNOC’s portfolio. It is also the second-largest offshore oil field and the fourth-largest oil field in the world.

As part of ADNOC’s ambitious target to accelerate the delivery of its 2030 smart growth strategy, the company plans to increase the field capacity of Upper Zakum to 1 million barrels per day (mbpd) by 2024 through a mega-expansion project valued at AED 110 billion. This will amplify the UAE’s socio-economic development objectives as ADNOC continues to leverage strategic partnerships and technical collaboration.

Energy for Meaningful Partnerships

Upper Zakum underscores how ADNOC enhances economic relationships between the UAE and the world. For decades, ADNOC has engaged with global industry leaders to expand its upstream and downstream portfolios. Some of the longest standing partnerships are with the Japan Oil Development Company (JODCO) and ExxonMobil.

The economic relationship between the UAE and Japan began in 1962, when ADNOC’s first oil export was shipped to Japan. in 1977, JODCO, wholly owned by Inpex, was awarded the contract to develop Upper Zakum Oil Field. Today the companies collaborate across the entire value chain.

ADNOC’s 80-year partnership with ExxonMobil is a testimonial of the strong business relationship that the UAE has with the USA. In 2006, ExxonMobil joined ADNOC and JODCO to increase Upper Zakum’s production capacity from 500,000 mbpd to 750,000 mbpd.

Artificial Islands support Sustainability

The UZ750 mega-project included the construction of four artificial islands in shallow water. Named Aseeifiya, Ettouk, Al Ghallan, and Umm Al Anbar, the artificial islands can accommodate 450 wells, 90 platforms as well as drilling rigs, processing facilities, and infrastructure.

Driven by innovation and the need to reduce our environmental footprint, ADNOC pioneered and perfected the use of artificial islands to protect the marine environment during project expansion. Artificial islands use lower-cost land-drilling rigs instead of high-cost offshore jack-up drilling rigs, optimizing costs significantly, increasing operational efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact.

Technology that Makes a Difference

The UZ750 mega-project has used cutting-edge technology to maximize production. In 2019, the longest well ever drilled in the Middle East was completed, with a depth of over 40,000 feet.

Digitization improves efficiency and integrated technology roadmaps (both subsurface and surface) enhance the safety of the personnel while reducing operational costs.

ADNOC continues to push the limits of our capability and technology through the use of new drill centers, commercial infills, and enhanced oil recovery solutions.