Page 47: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Sep/Oct 2024)

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espite drilling nearly 18 wells, the region re- in offshore exploration. mains largely unexplored, with only modest The technical and infrastructural challenges the country natural gas discoveries in Miocene sandstones. face today are signi?cant, but they are not insurmountable.

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However, each exploration attempt has con- By failing to address these issues head-on and develop a tributed valuable insights, laying the groundwork for fu- compelling case for investment, Pakistan has inadvertently ture endeavors. stalled progress on what could be a transformative resource

The journey began in 1961 when the American Sun for Pakistan's energy future.

Oil Company conducted seismic surveys and drilled An essential aspect of addressing these challenges lies three near-shore wells. Although these early efforts, in the integration of successful methodologies from other along with those of German company Wintershall in countries. Notably, Chinese Geological Surveys have prov- the 1970s and the U.S.-based Husky later on, did not en effective in gathering vital data for offshore exploration result in commercial hydrocarbon discoveries, the geo- in Pakistan. These surveys have provided valuable insights logical data gathered was crucial in shaping subsequent into the complex geological formations of the Indus Ba- exploration strategies. sin, offering a clearer understanding of the region’s subsur-

In the 1980s, exploration efforts intensi?ed when Paki- face structures. The success of these surveys underscores stan’s Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OG- the importance of leveraging international expertise and

DCL) partnered with Canadian ?rms to drill the PakCan-1 advanced technology to enhance Pakistan’s exploration ef- well. This effort, however, resulted in non-commercial gas forts. By building on the comprehensive data already ob- quantities, underscoring the technical and environmental tained by the Chinese, Pakistan can better target prom- challenges inherent in the region. Similarly, the Sadaf-1 ising areas for future drilling, thereby reducing the risks well drilled by another U.S. company in 1989 turned out associated with offshore exploration. to be dry, despite advanced seismic studies. While past offshore exploration efforts in Pakistan's In-

The 2000s saw renewed international interest in Paki- dus Basin have faced signi?cant challenges, the potential stan’s offshore potential. In 2004, French oil giant TOTAL for future success remains considerable. To unlock this ventured into the deep waters of the Indus Basin with the potential, Pakistan must focus on fostering international

Pak-G2 well, drilling to an impressive depth of 4,750 me- collaborations that bring advanced drilling technologies ters. Although the well was dry, it provided critical data on and expertise to the table. At the same time, implement- the region's complex geological formations. Shell followed ing policy reforms that make the country a more attrac- in 2007 with the Anne-1X well, drilling to 3,250 meters. tive destination for foreign investment is crucial. Encour-

Despite the absence of signi?cant oil or gas discoveries, aging innovation and research, particularly in partnership these efforts enhanced the scienti?c understanding of the with global experts, is essential. Moreover, maintaining a basin's subsurface structures. strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and risk

The most recent and perhaps most high-pro?le attempt management can position Pakistan for a breakthrough in came in 2019 when ExxonMobil, in collaboration with offshore exploration. With strategic alliances and a re-

ENI, OGDCL, and PPL, drilled the Kekra-1 well. Located newed commitment to leveraging cutting-edge geophysi- 143 miles off the coast of Pakistan and at a depth of 6,200 cal techniques, the Indus Basin may yet yield the substan- feet, this project was Pakistan’s most ambitious offshore tial oil and gas resources that could transform Pakistan's drilling venture. Expectations were high, with hopes that a energy landscape. major oil discovery could propel Pakistan into the ranks of In essence, Pakistan's journey in offshore exploration the world’s top oil producers. Unfortunately, the venture has been long and arduous, yet each setback has brought wasn’t successful. However, according to experts, the criti- the nation closer to a potential breakthrough. By learn- cal misstep in Pakistan’s offshore exploration efforts has ing from past challenges and embracing future oppor- always been giving up after just a few attempts, leaving un- tunities with the right mix of technology, policy, and tapped potential languishing beneath the seabed. Without collaboration, Pakistan can navigate the complexities of proper robust strategy to present to investors, the country offshore exploration and realize the full potential of its has struggled to attract the necessary capital and expertise energy resources.

september/october 2024 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 47