BMP proceeding as per schedule

As the Kingdom explores the latest technologies to develop its energy sector, it is inviting foreign oil companies to invest in exploration and production


Bahrain has completed 50 per cent of the project to upgrade the Bapco Refinery, one of the largest projects in the country at an estimated cost of $6 billion.

Minister of Oil Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa praised how the Bapco Modernisation Project (BMP) was proceeding according to schedule.

He highlighed this and other developments in the oil sector during the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic consequences in a YouTube interview hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain.

Shaikh Mohammed also announced the completion and launch of the first LNG jetty consisting of a floating storage unit, a port, a sea barrier, a nearby platform for fumigation of liquefied gas to return to its gas state, underwater pipes to transport gas from the platform to the shore, a land gas delivery facility, and a land-based nitrogen production facility.

The minister stressed the kingdom's keenness to strengthen cooperation in this field with various entities, organisations and specialised companies and identify the latest technologies for the development of the oil, gas and energy sector in Bahrain.

He noted the importance of encouraging international oil companies to invest in exploration and production in Bahrain, and referred to investment opportunities in oil Blocks (1, 2, 3 and 4) covering an area of 9,000 sq km.

He noted that he had recently signed with the Italian company Eni to drill several wells in block 1 with the start scheduled for April, but now postponed due to the Coronavirus.

As for Block 4, recently discovered, it is located in the Gulf of Bahrain where the drilling of the experimental well was completed. The well began to flow last year and it will be added to the production systems soon.

The minister praised the cooperation with Halliburton company, which provided all its expertise, knowledge and techniques resulting in positive achievements in this field. Two deep gas wells have also been drilled and further achievements are expected in the future.

He said Bahrain is looking forward to strengthening cooperation and taking advantage of the technologies acquired by US oil companies in the field of exploration and supply of logistics and complementary industries.

Last month, TTSJV said it would start work on the construction of a temporary jetty for the BMP north west of Sitra in Bahrain.

The scope of work includes marine vessel movement, excavation activities, lifting operation and installation of silt screen curtains, stated TTSJV in its notification. The constrcution work will continue until September.