New gas field discovered in Sharjah

A new gas field has been discovered in the emirate of Sharjah.

The discovery at Mahani-1 exploration well, with flow rates of up to 50 million standard cubic feet per day, occurred within the first year of collaboration between Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) and its Italian partner ENI, official news agency WAM reported.

The discovery represents the first onshore discovery of gas in Sharjah since the early 1980’s, a statement said.

The Mahani-1 well was drilled to a depth of 14,597 feet, which resulted in the discovery of gas with the associated capacitors in the formation of the Thumama.

The size of the discovery is to be estimated at a later stage.

The Mahani-1 exploration well in the Area B Concession, is the first exploration well drilled by SNOC, following the acquisition of a new 3D seismic survey covering the territory.

SNOC – the operator of Area B – and ENI, both, hold a 50 per cent stake in the discovery.

Hatem Al Mosa, CEO of SNOC, said, “I am delighted that the first exploration well to be drilled in Sharjah by SNOC, and our partner ENI, is a gas discovery.”

“This is the first onshore discovery in Sharjah in 37 years and marks the beginning of an exciting time for SNOC and for Sharjah’s energy sector.”

SNOC, established in 2010, is focused on the exploration, production, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of the emirate’s energy assets.

SNOC owns and operates over 50 wells distributed in three fields, a gas processing complex, and two hydrocarbon liquid storage and export terminals, the statement said.

Its Sajaa complex is the hub of gas pipelines connecting all northern emirates.