As one of the largest companies in Oman, PDO is responding to the challenge by rolling out a ban on single-use plastics across the organisation, a move which it hopes will encourage others to follow suit and raise awareness over this pressing issue

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has announced it was banning single-use plastics across its business as part of a wide-ranging environmental sustainability campaign.

In a phased move, the company will start by replacing plastic cups at its Mina Al Fahal (MAF) headquarters with 3,000 ceramic mugs from June, followed by bans on plastic bags, bottles, cutlery and straws.

The initiative falls under its Estidama (sustainability) campaign, which was launched in January to build a positive environmental culture across Oman by focusing on six main pillars: renewable energy, people, energy efficiency, environment, energy saving, and economy.

PDO managing director Raoul Restucci made the announcement during his keynote speech at the company’s annual PDO Day event, marking the fifth anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said’s official visit to PDO in 2013. Restucci said: Evidence of the devastating damage caused by plastic to our natural environment is growing every day. It is polluting the land, waterways and oceans and having a lethal impact on wildlife and marine species, as well as contaminating human water supplies."

As one of the largest companies in Oman, PDO is responding to the challenge by rolling out a ban on single-use plastics across the organisation, a move which it hopes will encourage others to follow suit and raise awareness over this pressing issue," Restucci adds.

"We are committed to protecting our environment and highlighting the need to reduce waste, which harms biodiversity and threatens the beauty of this wonderful country." Plastic waste at PDO amounts to an average of 1.2 tonnes a month and a recent survey found that PDO staff and contractors used around 20,000 plastic cups per week, with around 30 per cent using 10 plastic bags per week and 28 per cent availing themselves of single-use plastic bottles.

The event, which was held under the auspices of Salim Al Aufi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Oil and Gas, had a strong "green" theme. A booklet titled "Pathways To Sustainability" was released, showcasing the diverse environmental friendly initiatives launched by PDO, including its efforts to reduce flaring and greenhouse gas emissions, and its flagship Miraah solar plant and Nimr waterland project.

Three Omani consultancies working in the green economy also showcased their products and services related to solar panels, LED technology and smart home applications. And there were displays of four new energy-efficient technologies pioneered by PDO, including micro turbines that are being used to generate electrical power from flare gas.

Hundreds of staff members attended the celebrations and following a review of key 2017 achievements, Restucci added: "The reality is you have helped transform PDO to deliver beyond expectations, time and time again. Despite challenging circumstances, you have stayed the course, working ever more efficiently to create added value for Oman and all our stakeholders."

The event also included PDO’s annual awards ceremony incorporating the 14th Chairman’s Award for Excellence (CAE) and the sixth Dr Abdulla Al Lamki for Developing Talent Award (DALTA).

The winner of the CAE Gold Technical Award was the Exploration Directorate for its significant gas find and integrated way of working at Mabrouk North East, in the north of its concession area.

The winning CAE Gold entry in the Non-Technical category was the Well Engineering Directorate for an in-sourcing project for PDO-owned rigs and hoists, launched to boost operational performance and competency among Omani well engineers.

The former Yibal Cluster Delivery Team Leader, Hamed Nasser Al Qarny, who has just retired after 43 years at PDO, was named the DALTA winner. He was recognised for his significant contribution in developing and mentoring staff.

In keeping with the PDO Day 2018 focus on environmental sustainability, the company also unveiled two new Green Awards. The Gas Directorate won gold for best Environmental Excellence and the Well Engineering Directorate won gold for best Environmental Initiative after achieving zero flaring in well test operations.