Can you provide an overview of Abraj Energy’s in-country operations and the major highlights of the past year?

Abraj Energy began its operations in 2007 with a goal to become the market leader in the drilling and well services engineering industry while promoting local employment. Over the past 15 years, the company has experienced rapid growth and currently holds a significant market share of nearly 30% in drilling and workover services in Oman. Abraj Energy has also expanded its business into well engineering, cementing, fracking, and cold tubing. Notably, the company achieved these milestones independently, without any partnerships or joint ventures. In 2013, Abraj Energy became the first local company in the MENA region to enter the fracturing business, positioning itself as the second-ranked player in the Omani market.

What strategic plan does Abraj Energy have in place to maintain its position as the leading drilling contractor?

Abraj Energy places a strong emphasis on health, safety, and environmental (HSE) performance, making significant investments in this area. The company continually improves its operations through innovative tools and upgrades, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of its assets. Abraj Energy has established a dedicated continuous improvement department responsible for enhancing internal processes both in the field and in the office. By implementing Lean programs such as Lean Six Sigma, the company optimizes its operational efficiency. Notably, Abraj Energy has gained recognition for its excellence in rig moving and innovative technologies at the rig, establishing trust among clients and solidifying its position as the go-to drilling contractor. By maintaining this mentality, the company believes it will sustain its market leader status.

What innovative technologies is Abraj Energy currently exploring and deploying across its operations?

Abraj Energy is actively adopting automation in the design of its drilling units, significantly reducing the need for human intervention compared to conventional rigs. By incorporating advanced technologies, the company has decreased the required personnel per shift by approximately 25%, resulting in enhanced safety and reduced risks. Abraj Energy utilizes CCTV systems to monitor rig operations from its head office in Muscat, enabling proactive intervention in the event of unsafe acts or irregular behavior. The company is also collaborating with partners to explore the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations. Through AI, Abraj Energy aims to predict incidents before they occur, minimizing the need for human intervention. The company is also focused on collecting drilling data, offering a unique advantage as the only drilling contractor in Oman working with multiple clients simultaneously.

How important is promoting local talent for Abraj Energy, and what other initiatives are in place to enhance in-country value (ICV)?

Abraj Energy maintains an impressive Omanization rate of over 90%, reflecting its commitment to promoting local talent. This high percentage is observed across various levels within the company, from upper management to entry-level positions. The company actively supports employee growth through internal programs, including a soon-to-be-launched competency program that enables self-promotion and evaluation. This program allows employees to assess their performance and identify the necessary steps to reach the next career level. Abraj Energy continuously seeks to provide employment opportunities to its workforce and prioritizes working with local suppliers to promote goods made in Oman while also collaborating with suppliers who can provide goods from outside the country.

What steps is Abraj Energy taking to incorporate sustainability in its production and drilling activities?

Abraj Energy is committed to developing a sustainability program, focusing on adopting innovative technologies and reducing its carbon footprint and emissions. The company is currently engaged in two projects. The first project aims to reduce energy consumption in its vehicle fleet by improving efficiency and exploring alternative energy sources such as solar power. Abraj Energy seeks to replace larger engines with smaller, highly efficient ones, reducing diesel intake and ultimately lowering emissions, fuel costs, and maintenance requirements. The second project involves the exploration of biofuels as a substitute for diesel at drilling sites, further contributing to emission reduction. Abraj Energy plans to conduct pilot tests for these projects in the near future.

What are the main strategic priorities for Abraj Energy in the coming years?

Abraj Energy’s strategic priorities include maintaining its position as the leading drilling contractor, expanding its frack and well services businesses, and establishing an international presence beyond Oman. The company aims to enter the GCC countries or expand within the MENA region. Additionally, Abraj Energy is dedicated to working on hydrocarbon-efficient solutions to reduce diesel intake, recognizing its potential as a significant industry game-changer. By achieving this, the company seeks to collaborate with the broader industry to collectively reduce emissions and promote environmental sustainability.