MUSCAT : Under the agreements, Abraj will provide nine rigs, while Shalim Oil will supply six. The contracts are expected to generate direct cost savings of 7 percent compared with current contract prices over five years, while avoiding potential cost increases of 6 percent against market price trends.

The awards will support the modernisation of PDO’s well maintenance fleet, increasing the share of modern rigs from 40 percent to 53 percent. The upgraded fleet is expected to enable the use of advanced equipment and technologies, reduce manual intervention, improve working conditions and strengthen safety and operational performance.

The agreements also provide for the assembly of six advanced rigs in Oman, creating opportunities for technology transfer, technical skills development and greater participation by Omani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Dr Aflah Al Hadhrami, managing director of PDO, said the contracts represented an important step in strengthening the company’s operational capabilities, improving cost competitiveness and supporting its production ambitions.

He said partnerships with local companies and investment in national capabilities would help build more competitive and flexible supply chains to meet PDO’s long-term operational requirements while contributing to Oman’s economic development.

Eng Saif Al Hamhami, chief executive officer of Abraj Energy Services, said the addition of six well maintenance rigs would strengthen the company’s operational capacity and readiness to meet PDO’s requirements.

He added that Abraj would continue investing in Omani talent, advanced technologies and operational excellence to create sustainable value for the country’s energy sector.

Mohammed bin Saif Al-Sibani, chief executive officer of Shalim Oil Company, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting its operational obligations and developing national talent. He said the company’s Omanisation rate had exceeded 91 percent.

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