Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, a part of the UAE's federation, announced the emirate has commenced production of up to 92 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of wet gas.
The gas will be transported through a sub-sea pipeline for processing at the RAK Gas plant in Ras Al Khaimah.
Development and operation of the Umm Al Quwain Offshore Gas is being carried out by Field Atlantis, a unit of Sinochem Corporation.
The UAQ field is located 20km off the coast of Umm Al Quwain. The platform, set in 110ft of water, is an unmanned facility that has been designed to produce up to 92 MMscfd of wet gas. This is then transferred via a 14-inch sub-sea pipeline to the Khor Khwair Gas Plant of Ras Al Khaimah, where the condensate and sulphur are extracted prior to the gas being introduced into the northern emirates gas grid. Following the signing of the agreement by the Government of Umm Al Quwain, Atlantis Limited and RAK Gas in March 2006, the project began awarding major contracts for the fabrication and installation of the platform, drilling and completion of three horizontal wells, purchase and installation of 75 kilometres of pipe line. The design and construction of a complete gas treatment train included commissioning activities.
An onshore control centre has been constructed in a yard that is part of the Umm Al Quwain Port premises.
The control centre has been equipped with state-of-the-art telemetry and control equipment, and it is from this location that all operational and maintenance activities on the platform including gas metering will be managed. The UAQ field is the first offshore gas field development in the emirate and the production will contribute to energy needs in the northern emirates.
Sheikh Saud expressed delight at the completion of the project, in addition to setting an example for fruitful co-operation between the two neighbouring emirates, besides supporting the process of development.
Ahmed Eissa Al Naeema, General Manager of RAK Gas, said: "The gas will contribute to the energy needs of new industries in Ras Al Khaimah. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful co-operation between Umm Al Quwain, Atlantis and Ras Al Khaimah," he added.
Han Gensheng, vice-president of Sinochem Corporation, said: "The project has been completed in record without any environmental impact or losses.
"These achievements were greatly assisted by the support we received from various departments from within both the Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah Governments, and RAK Gas, along with the various contractors engaged on the project, who did a marvellous job in meeting the arduous deadline of the project." (Wam)
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