We derive additional value from our crude oil by using it to create and bring to market new products such as chemicals, base oils, and finished lubricants. Looking ahead, we’re leading research into converting crude oil directly to chemicals, or to hydrogen as the possible energy source of choice for the future. Capitalizing on the size and quality of our , our expertise in exploration and recovery, and our state-of-the-art, integrated upstream and downstream network, we’re redefining the benchmark for global energy production.

Those quantities of liquids and gas, which by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible — from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations — prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

Perfecting our ideas

Originally the plan was to build the causeway from coast to coast across the bay. However, before beginning construction we commissioned extensive research into this sensitive and important marine environment, in partnership with the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). It showed the need to maintain water circulation and allow marine life to move freely from deep to shallow water. We therefore factored in an opening between causeway and coastline, and 13 bridges up to 2.4-km in length were added, to keep the ocean currents circulating naturally and dispersing vital nutrients and oxygen throughout the bay.

Bringing new technology to life

Below ground, the challenges were no less demanding. As the six enormous reservoirs of up to 40 km long are stacked one on top of the other, we had to invent new technology from scratch. And so we built the nuclear magnetic resonance tool especially for Manifa, to create real time 3D profiles of the reservoir layers. This allowed geologists to accurately tap into at extreme distances, through a heavy layer of tar, from wells on the surface..