DOHA: The Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre was inaugurated yesterday at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), with an aim to unlock the potential of Al Shaheen Oil Field off the north east coast of the country.
Maersk Oil's $100m first global research centre will also support Qatar to develop its knowledge based society.
"I'm pleased to know this will be done in close collaboration with different universities here in Qatar and some in Qatar, while helping to develop the next generation of young engineers and scientists," said a message by the Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada.
Maersk Oil's Research and Technology Centre will develop technology for its renowned ultra-long horizontal wells to improve oil recovery and design carbonate Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) projects.
These topics hold the key to unlocking the vast potential of oil fields including Al Shaheen, Qatar's largest offshore field, which is operated by Maersk Oil. Maersk Oil will also conduct research that gives further insight into Qatar's marine ecosystem to help reduce its environmental footprint and ensure sustainable operations.
Jakob Thomasen, Maersk Oil, CEO, said: "We will also help Qatar to develop its knowledge based society , over the years we will spend $100m with very high ambitions on the technology and on talent development."
"We hope to bring across a large number of graduates and post graduates to help us on the research and to develop the capabilities," he said.
Dr Tidu Maini, Chairman of QSTP commenting about the new research centre, said: "We are very pleased to have Maersk Oil join us as a member of QSTP. With their proven track record of fostering innovation and the facilities available at QSTP, we know we can expect great things."
Following the Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre inauguration, the dignitaries were given a tour of the facilities to showcase the research being undertaken by Maersk Oil's research team at the Qatar Science and Technology Park.
They visited the digital core lab which uses advanced scanning equipment to help researchers identify improved oil recovery potential of reservoir rocks.
The tour also included a presentation on the use of 'drone' technology developed and patented by Maersk Oil to understand from where oil is produced in long horizontal wells.
A presentation on the Qatar Whale Shark Research Project initiated by the Ministry of Environment and supported by Maersk Oil was also presented. Offshore employees on Maersk Oil platforms are actively involved in monitoring whale sharks that often amass in the Al Shaheen area during the summer months.
© The Peninsula 2011
