OGDC deploys Canadian tech to boost heavy oil output

Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) has signed a contract with Canada's Synergetic Oil Tools Incorporated to deploy advanced Passive Energy Tool technology aimed at enhancing production from Pakistan's heavy crude oil fields, according to a statement issued on Monday.

The contract signing ceremony was held at OGDC Headquarters in Islamabad, with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ambassador Tarik Ali Khan attending as chief guest along with OGDC MD and CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak. Synergetic President and CEO Brian Herman joined virtually.

Under the agreement, Synergetic will deploy the technology at OGDC's heavy oil wells to optimise production. The technology is designed to improve flow assurance in highly viscous crude oil wells by optimising fluid characteristics, reducing workover frequency, minimising downtime, lowering operating costs and decreasing the use of production chemicals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Lak said the partnership demonstrates OGDC's commitment to adopting innovative technologies to address production challenges in heavy oil reservoirs. He said OGDC continues to explore opportunities with global technology providers to enhance production efficiency and maximise recovery from mature and technically challenging fields. He expressed confidence that the new technology would significantly reduce workover requirements and operating costs while improving production performance.

Canadian High Commissioner Khan highlighted the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and Canada in the energy and critical minerals sectors. He expressed confidence that the technology's deployment would contribute to the development of Pakistan's upstream oil industry.

The collaboration marks another step in OGDC's strategy to leverage advanced technologies for improving operational efficiency, enhancing production and supporting the sustainable development of Pakistan's oil and gas sector through international partnerships.