ExxonMobil wants to extend its oil concessions with Abu Dhabi, but asks for its contracts to be redrawn so it can use all its technology without rivals gaining access, its senior vice president said.

Multinational companies hold large stakes in concessions that pump most of the oil and gas from the Opec member, whose system allows oil and gas producers to acquire their equity stakes in the world’s third largest oil exporter. But in return, they have to provide much of the investment for new production, where margins are considered tight by international standards.

“We want to be able to continue talking about onshore concession extension ... one that allows us to bring all that experience and technology,” Andrew P Swiger told Reuters on the sidelines of an industry conference.

“The current structure somewhat inhibits that because we’re partnered with a number of other players which we’re very happy to work with but the challenge is when you have a partnership like that it inhibits you from bringing some your best technology,” he said in an interview.

Exxon holds a 9.5 per cent stake in Abu Dhabi’s company for onshore operations (Adco). Other partners include Royal Dutch Shell, BP and Total.

Swiger did not say what form a possible change in the partnership structure with Abu Dhabi’s National Oil Company (Adnoc) could take.