PetroAmir, established in March 2010, is a joint venture between EGPC and Greek firm Vegas Oil & Gas. PetroAmir was established for the development and production of the North West Gemsa (Amir) Field in the Zeit Bay area of the Red Sea. The monthly production, as of June 2013 is approximately 317,184 bbl of oil and 361 MMscf of gas.
Production began in February 2009 from the Amir southeast wells and in April 2009 from the Geyad wells. The produced oil and associated gas have a gas to oil ratio of 1100. The company decided to flare the associated gas until gaining proper facilities and concluding a sales contract with Suco/RWE.
The initiative had two primary goals. First, to stop flaring the associated gas, hence eliminating adverse environmental effects. Second, to gain maximum benefits from the associated gas, as it is rich gas, containing sales gas, condensates as well LPG.
In March 2012 PetroAmir, in cooperation with Ganope, Partners and Suco/RWE, began executing the 12”/16km gas pipeline project at a total cost of 8.3 million USD.
PetroAmir utilized Enppi for engineering studies and PetroJet for construction. Procurement was a critical yet challenging part of the project. Thanks to successful execution the pipeline was finalized in just 11 months.
The project was commissioned on February 12th 2013, with the official opening occurring on February 28th in the presence of the top managers of the Egyptian petroleum sector.
The average daily production of feed gas is currently 12 MMscf. The gas is then sent to the Suco gas plant through the newly built pipeline. Suco gets 11.45 MMscf of sales gas, 108 bbl of condensates, and 24 tons of LPG.
LPG production has reached 720 tons per month. This translates to a supply of approximately 60,000 gas cylinders per month for to meet domestic demand and reduce imports, both vital elements of improving the economy.
The production of condensates is estimated at 3,240 bbl per month in addition to sales gas.
We have successfully overcome considerable obstacles during the various implementation stages of the project. We have achieved positive results by utilizing updated techniques and applications.
It was the first time in the Red Sea area to execute an underground pipeline by using the HDD (Hydraulic Direction Drilling) technique. Such techniques allowed us to us avoid crossing buried sea pipeline close to the receiver area of Suco Company.
By Eng. Ashraf Abdel-Khalek – Projects & Facillities assistant General Manager
