The South Rub Al-Khali Company Limited (SRAK), a joint venture between Shell (40 per cent), and Saudi Aramco and Total (each with a 30 per cent shareholding), was awarded two Contract Areas totalling 210,000 square kilometres in December 2003 to explore for gas in Saudi Arabia’s Rub ’al Khali (Empty Quarter). Prior to carrying out seismic survey and drilling operations, the company conducted an Environmental, Safety and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Study. During this study evidence of archaeological and anthropological remains from the Stone Age were discovered and SRAK then entered into an agreement with the Dammam Regional Museum to carry out an archaeological survey in SRAK’s operating area to locate, identify and mark the areas of historical importance and interest to ensure that these ancient sites are preserved for the people of Saudi Arabia. ‘Shell in the Middle East’ went to Saudi Arabia to uncover more information...

Bringing on the upstream in Qatar

Preparations for the production of gas as a feedstock for Qatar Petroleum and Shell’s Pearl GTL (Gas to Liquids) project are well under way, with the full backing of the Government of Qatar. ‘Shell in the Middle East’ went to Doha to meet Bart Lismont, the man responsible for ensuring that all of the upstream production facilities are ready to supply gas to the plant by the end of the decade. We also found out just what is involved in the provision of the 1.6 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day that is required to keep the Pearl GTL plant running...

CATALYSIS - at the heart of GTL technology

The Pearl GTL integrated development project is Shell’s single largest equity investment anywhere in the world and, when completed around the end of the decade, will produce 140,000 barrels per day of GTL products, as well as an estimated 120,000 barrels per day of condensate, liquefied petroleum gas and ethane. Pearl GTL will also be the largest GTL plant in the world and will use a range of Shell’s proprietary and patented technology, including Shell-patented catalysts, often referred to as the ‘heart of the process’, to convert natural gas into a range of GTL products. ‘Shell in the Middle East’ goes to the Shell Research and Technology Centre, Amsterdam (SRTCA), to meet Matthijs Senden, the man who is leading the SRTCA’s GTL research team, which is using the pilot GTL plant to develop and optimise the processes that will be used in the Pearl GTL production facility and other commercial applications. We also meet Carl Mesters, Shell Chief Scientist, Chemistry & Catalysis, and a leading player in Shell’s development of catalysts, and talk to Ali Al-Sharshani, a Qatar Shell researcher, working in Amsterdam...

Getting down to the details of DEEPWATER DRILLING IN NEMED

Shell Egypt discovered gas in its 31,135 square kilometre NEMED (North East Mediterranean Deepwater) concession in 2004. In January 2007 Shell Egypt started Phase 3 of its drilling campaign in NEMED, using the TransOcean 'Deepwater Expedition' drilling ship. The vessel was positioned 185 kilometres offshore, to drill additional wells in water depths ranging from as shallow as 1,500 metres to as deep as 2,750 metres. Drilling deepwater wells is considered to be the most difficult operation in the oil and gas industry. 'Shell in the Middle East' visits the 'Deepwater Expedition' to talk to some of the people involved in the highly specialised activities which are required to conduct deepwater drilling operations...

Building On A Deep Commitment To Syrian Society

Shell first engaged in exploration activities in Syria in 1949, and began production of hydrocarbons in the country with the formation in 1985 of Al Furat Petroleum Company (AFPC) - a joint venture between Shell, the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) and Bergomo (a joint venture between the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India and the China National Petroleum Corporation). Syria Shell is today the largest foreign investor in the country. However, business investments aside, the company has always worked with the Government to make a strong contribution to Syrian society, investing in a wide range of social initiatives - in education and training and the transfer of technology, in health and safety and in helping to preserve Syria’s rich cultural heritage. ‘Shell in the Middle East’ goes to Syria to talk to Ghaleb Sleiman, Deputy General Manager and External Affairs Manager of Syria Shell Petroleum Development (SSPD), to find out more about Syria Shell’s deep social commitments to Syria and its people...