Kuwait Oil Research Articles

Technology Focus: Unconventional and Tight Reservoirs (July 2024)

Unconventional reservoirs bear a unique perplexity in that, at every scale, they are different from their conventional counterparts and even one another. Small nuances in any one parameter can result in a vastly different well result, which may affect how an area, or even an entire play, is interpreted. This month’s selection of papers is all about those differences, in recognition that it is technology that drives innovation through understanding what these differences mean and how best to extract value from these vast resources. Starting at the well scale and looking at the benefits of knowing the efficacy of each stimulation stage, paper URTeC 3864145 is from the Ordos Basin in China. Investigating hydraulic fracture performance on a stage-by-stage basis proves time and time again that understanding the details can improve overall development outcomes. The case study reviews two hydraulic fracture diagnostic techniques used in combination to determine water breakthrough and shutoff plans. Zooming out to the play scale, paper SPE 216292 is focused on the most variable of unconventional reservoirs: the carbonate reservoir. This case study of the Austin Chalk formation in Texas analyses the production uplift from application of horizontal, multistage fracture stimulation technology in tight or fractured carbonate reservoirs. The application of unconventional technology in carbonate reservoirs can extended field life, and the deployment of this technology should be considered for any redevelopment or reassessment of potential resources trapped in tight carbonate reservoirs. Finally, paper OTC 34832 draws on the concept of innovation that is required to unlock unconventional resources. Novel methods of stimulation are the cornerstone of unconventional technology in that well stimulation is a basic requirement of all low-permeability reservoirs. The paper describes a trial pilot from idea through execution from Kuwait Oil Company for enhanced oil recovery in tight formations using downhole hydrogen generation from in-situ exothermic multistage chemical reactions between two unique hydroreacting agents. The paper also provides lessons learned and optimization insights from the trial, concluding that a successful, low-cost alternative stimulation technique was demonstrated and repeatable. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 216139 Tight Gas Reservoir Characterization and Comparison of PLT Methods: Microseismic Monitoring, Fiber-Optical Production Logging, and Tracer-Coated Sand Monitoring Applied in the Same Well by Xiao Yao, Petrochina, et al. SPE 216149 New Insight in Developing Tight Fractured Carbonate Reservoirs, Mishrif Formation, West Kuwait by M. El-Jeaan, Kuwait Oil Company, et al. SPE 215712 Successful Utilization of In-Situ Dune Sands in Saudi Arabian Unconventional Frac Operations by Nahar Qahtani, Saudi Aramco, et al.

Downhole Hydrogen-Generation System Stimulates Challenging Formations in Kuwait

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 34832, “Successful Trial of Innovative Downhole Hydrogen-Generator System To Stimulate Hard-to-Recover Formations: First in Onshore Kuwait,” by Mustafa Al-Hussaini, Hamad S. Al-Rashedi, and Nada Al-Saleh, SPE, Kuwait Oil Company, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2024 Offshore Technology Conference. _ The objective of the pilot trial described in the complete paper was to provide an economic solution to develop tight and hard-to-recover formations within the operator’s fields. These assets represent a major challenge because of their low recovery factor (1–3%), the high cost of available conventional stimulation technologies, low revenue, and inability to sustain production rates. Introduction To establish an integrated stimulation solution for tight and heavy oil formations, the concept of using active single-atom hydrogen power to enhance near-wellbore permeability was evolved. This technology is based on downhole hydrogen generation from an in-situ exothermic multistage chemical reaction between two unique hydroreacting agents (HRAs). This reaction generates a huge amount of thermal energy, active hydrogen, and other hot active gases and acid vapors. The selection of HRA compounds, and their amount and concentration, is customized for each field. Development of Business Cases West Kuwait (WK) Business Case. The M formation in the WK region is a carbonate, multifractured tight reservoir that had been producing for years but had begun experiencing a low recovery factor. Some of its wells had low-productivity issues related to tight formation characteristics and low pressure. Production could not be sustained for long periods of time even after conventional acid stimulation. The reservoir featured a carbonate reservoir thickness of 300 ft, with 70% of oil in place at the top section. The reservoir is classified as tight (less than 0.1–10 md average permeability and 10–25% porosity), with 10 fractured multilayers. Only 1–3% recovery could be achieved despite many vertical, horizontal, and multilateral wells having been drilled in the M formation. Oil is considered nonviscous (28 cp, 21 °API). Current stimulation approaches included conventional acid stimulation, which elicited a poor response, and multistage fracturing, which encountered mixed results at best. North Kuwait (NK) Business Case. The tight T formation in this region featured poor reservoir connectivity. Minimal aquifer support led to a rapid decline in reservoir pressure. In general, low mobility of oil, poor API gravity, and low permeability were the main obstacles in draining oil from the T formation, in addition to reservoir heterogeneities such as facies distribution, fracture patterns, and pressure regimes. The formation consisted of tight limestone deposited on a carbonate ramp. The reservoir is divided into three main stratigraphic units (Upper, of approximately 110 ft; Middle, of approximately 60 ft; and Lower, of approximately 16 ft). The reservoir exhibits porosity of approximately 14% and permeability of approximately 14 md and is filled with relatively-low-API hydrocarbon (19–22 °API).

Analysis of Accidents in the Oil and Gas Industry in Kuwait

Analysis of Accidents in the Oil and Gas Industry in Kuwait

Intra-plate Jal Az-Zor strike-slip faulting deciphering the enigma of local earthquakes in Kuwait

Abstract Kuwait National Seismic Network (KNSN) data show the clustering of earthquakes in northern and southern clusters. Spatial correlation between these clusters and oil fields led previous studies to declare that oil production/injection triggered earthquakes, but some suggested the possibility of tectonic causes. This study addresses the genuine objective of uncovering the origin of Kuwait earthquakes by analysing relationships between earthquake spatial and temporal patterns, oil production/injection, structural and tectonic setting, and subsurface fluid pressures. A kinematic model of the Jal Az-Zor dextral-slip fault was presented as a decipherer to the earthquake's origin. The northern and southern clusters represent leading quadrants, where increased mean stress causes earthquakes. Dibdibah Trough and Kuwait Bay represent trailing quadrants with decreased mean stress and a lack of earthquakes. The small percentage of earthquakes falling outside clusters are caused by the concentration of regional compressive stresses related to Arabian Plate motion on pre-existing faults. Triggering earthquakes by oil field operations requires 10% pressure increase above the original pressures, which never occurs in Kuwait oil fields. The results of this study emphasize the significance of understanding fault kinematics to assess earthquake hazards and the need to focus on engineering requirements for developments in the leading quadrants areas.

Technology Focus: Cementing and Zonal Isolation (May 2024)

This past year’s Cementing and Zonal Isolation papers indicated that our industry continues to maintain high levels of innovation and optimization. We saw a healthy mix of both academic and field-specific content. The evident collaboration between operators and service providers continues to propel technical developments at rates otherwise not possible. Geopolymer cementing-systems-development took center stage again, with 11% of the published papers covering this topic, with the ultimate goal of reducing the CO2 footprint of wellbore-sealing materials. Last year’s column described the geopolymer-systems-development timeline and how we had yet to have any case studies published. This year, I invite you to read a paper highlighting the first published field implementation of geopolymer in primary casing cementing, paper OTC 32218. This paper describes techniques that ensure that geopolymer systems are suitable for the downhole application, compatible with existing pumping equipment, and scalable to current operations. Several other papers published this past year describe these specific geopolymer topics in detail. Academic paper SPE 213763 describes the development, testing, and results of a novel resin-cement blend. This innovation stands out because, among other reasons, it presents improved bonding of cement to the casing, which enhances wellbore integrity over the well life cycle. Such materials can provide long-term isolation, especially in environments where conventional cement does not always endure mechanical stresses, vibrations, or shocks. Paper SPE 214768 is a robust case study on the implementation of foamed cements in shallow thermal well applications to mitigate gas migration. This paper showcases best practices for generating solutions to challenging downhole conditions from well design, drilling, and cementing perspectives. While the discussed geology and steam-assisted gravity drainage processes are largely unique to Canadian oil sands operations, I recommend this as an informative read for any operator or service provider facing similar downhole challenges. I hope you gain valuable insight from these selections and am looking forward to what the next year of publications brings to the cementing and zonal isolation space. Some excellent case studies and technological developments are also listed as additional reading. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 217797 Cementing: The Good, the Bad, and the Isolated—Techniques To Measure Cement Quality and Its Impact on Well Performance by Kyle Haustveit, Devon Energy, et al. SPE 216911Well Life Extension Through CasingCorrosion Control by A. Yugay, ADNOC, et al. SPE 214538 Using Ultrasonic Flexural Measurements To Validate Casing Standoff Simulations: A Kuwait Case Study by Ahmed Nour, Kuwait Oil Company, et al. SPE 213099 Biomineralization: Surface Injection Eliminates Bradenhead Pressure by Dwight Randy Hiebert, BioSqueeze, et al.

An Unclaimed Arab League Victory: The Foreign Office–Led Cessation of Kuwaiti Oil to Haifa

ABSTRACT In 1952, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and Shell were clandestinely shipping Kuwaiti oil to the Haifa refinery (owned by the same companies) to meet Israel’s growing energy needs. Later that year, aided by the advent of German reparations, the companies agreed to further supply Kuwaiti oil to the Israel Fuel Corporation for it to refine. By 1953, Kuwait became the leading source of crude oil to the Haifa refinery. That February, the Arab League publicly stated that it wanted the Gulf countries to join its economic boycott on Israel and, as a result, received a public assurance from the ruler of Kuwait that his country, still a British protectorate, would not be used as a ‘bridge for trade with Israel’. From that moment onwards, and with the shipments under investigation by the Arab League, a monthslong debate emerged between the British government and the oil companies over whether to wait for an Arab League–inspired directive from the ruler forbidding these shipments, which would grant the organisation a moral victory at the expense of British interests, or to anticipate the event by ceasing of their own accord for maximum convenience at the expense of Israel. The Foreign Office, which forcefully pushed for cessation despite resistance from other government bodies and the oil companies, ultimately had its way and managed to pre-empt an Arab League hammer in the making that might have driven a wedge between the United Kingdom and what had become her most prized foreign asset, Kuwait.

Sustainable management of produced water supply chain system: the validation of model-independent parameters for Kuwait oil company case study

ABSTRACT A substantial amount of wastewater is generated during the extraction of oil and gas. Wastewater that is generated as a result of oil and gas extraction activities is known as produced water (PW), and managing PW is one of the greatest challenges faced by the oil and gas industry. Effective management of PW requires an understanding of the complex impact it may have on both oil production and water treatment operations. Here, a numerical model has been applied to a real-world case study, that of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), to examine the relationships among various input and output factors in PW supply chain management. Specifically, the numerical model is a multi-objective optimisation model for the management of PW supply chains that takes into account economic as well as environmental objectives. A global sensitivity analysis has also been performed to assess the economic and operational factors that can influence the management of PW in KOC. The findings of this study show that the operational costs, treatment costs and environmental impacts can be assessed and used to guide the management of the PW supply chain in KOC.

Examining the impact of working conditions, lifestyle choices, and demographic factors on mental health of industrial workers

PurposeThis study aims to explore how factors such as working conditions, lifestyle choices and demographic characteristics may affect the mental health of industrial workers in Kuwait.Design/methodology/approachWithin the scope of the study’s objective, the authors reached 400 industrial workers (228 male, 172 female) working in oil and gas organizations in Kuwait. An ordered logistic regression model was conducted to examine the effect of relevant independent variables on workers’ mental health.FindingsResult indicated that employees with a lower education level (p-value = 0.015), employees who were smokers (p-value = 0.004) and employees with night shifts (p-value = 0.019), were more likely to experience mental health issues. Furthermore, result strongly highlights a higher chance of experiencing mental health problems among the workers who had longer working times (p-value = 0.000). On the other hand, having children (p-value = 0.042), visiting a mental health professional (p = 0.014) and living in a house with others (flat mate, family members, etc.) (p-value = 0.016) were statistically significant factors to improve employees’ mental health. Surprisingly, the authors’ research did not find a significant relationship between the mental health issues experienced by employees and their yearly income.Originality/valueThe paper lies in its exploration of the impact of working conditions, lifestyle choices and demographic factors on mental health of industrial workers using statistical approach. By applying ordered logistic regression, this study uncovers new insights into mental health of industrial workers.

Characterization of Kuwait Crude Oil via Terahertz Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

We report the experimental and theoretical terahertz (THz) absorption characteristics of unprocessed crude oils from Kuwait oil wells. Using THz Fourier transform spectroscopy technique and semi-empirical computational chemistry calculation, five of the 30 crude oils revealed characteristic absorbance spectra. Experimental data showed absorption peaks at 6.0 THz, 7.7 THz, 13 THz, and 16 THz. On the other hand, the calculated spectral bands of 10 nonane molecules were found at around 2.8 THz, 7.7 THz, 10 THz, and 16 THz. Although only two bands were predicted by the calculation, adding alkane molecules of different lengths (pentane to decane) resulted in the formation of new bands. These preliminary results suggest that there is a mixture of different alkanes present in the investigated samples, a typical characteristic of unprocessed crude oil.

The Role of the Butterfly Effect in Oil and Gas and Environmental Impact

This study is devoted to analyzing the influence of the butterfly effect on accidents in the oil and gas industry and their consequences for the environment. The butterfly effect, which implies that small changes in a system can lead to significant and unpredictable consequences, plays a key role in the occurrence of catastrophic events in the industry. The study analyzes six major accidents, namely Exxon Valdez (1989), Deepwater Horizon (2010), Piper Alpha (1988), Prestige (2002), Kuwaiti Oil Fires (1991), and BP Texas City Refinery (2005). The cause-and-effect relationships leading to the accidents are identified and their environmental impacts, including water and soil contamination, marine animal mortality, biodiversity decline, and long-term economic losses are assessed. The results show that many accidents could have been prevented with stricter safety standards and the use of modern monitoring and warning technologies. Recommendations include strengthening international standards, implementing automated warning systems, improving personnel skills and creating a safety culture. This study highlights the need to further improve measures to prevent accidents and minimize their environmental impact, and to direct future research towards the development of new monitoring and prevention technologies and methods.

Integration of Seismic Poisson Impedance Data with Real-Time Geomechanics and Real-Time 3D Ultradeep Resistivity Inversion Enabled New Opportunities in Developed Field: Case Study from Kuwait

Summary The Wara sandstone reservoir in the Minagish field of Kuwait Oil Company is a complex deposition of a typical pro-deltaic environment consisting of shaly-silty sandstone sequences, referenced as W7–W1. Three of these sequences (W6, W5, and W3) were expected in the case study well. The objective was to set a 9⅝-in. casing at the top of W6 and then drill through the Wara sequences to connect all of them and land and drill the lateral section within W3. The W6 sequence is typically the primary target in the Wara formation, being thick and consistent throughout the field. The next logical step in developing the Wara reservoir was to study and investigate the minor W5 and W3 members. Due to poor correlation of W5 and W3 channels in offset wells, the geological target was selected based on seismic Poisson impedance (PI). Historically, targeting the Wara formation occasionally resulted in multiple sidetracks due to drilling challenges. A real-time geomechanics service was used to overcome drilling challenges, and real-time 3D ultradeep resistivity inversion was implemented to optimize the well placement. An extensive predrilling study for geomechanical and ultradeep resistivity inversion modeling helped to develop a road map for an optimal and safe well-construction process. The study showed that use of real-time 3D ultradeep azimuthal resistivity (UDAR) inversion would help to optimize the well placement and maximize the sweet-zone exposure. The original well design, mud properties, and drilling parameters were modified based on the geomechanical study. Additionally, real-time geomechanics services were used to monitor and control the drilling process to follow the road map, which helped to avoid drilling issues, geostop at the W6 channel, and finally to run the casing smoothly. Real-time 3D ultradeep resistivity mapping in the lateral section helped the operator to drill through W6 and W5, land precisely, and drill the lateral in the W3 channel, which was well developed, as expected from seismic PI analysis. Formation evaluation of the lateral section showed an average porosity of 24 p.u., water saturation of 11%, and up to 3 darcies/cp mobility. The application of real-time 3D ultradeep resistivity inversion helped to triple the planned formation exposure and discover a geometric extension of the above deposited channels (W6 and W5), which will help for future field development. The flow test showed the highest production rates from W3 in the field. The integrated approach described above was recommended to be utilized for all future Wara wells.

Criminalizing reprisals against the natural environment

AbstractThroughout history, armed conflicts have frequently seen serious harm committed against the natural environment. From the early 1960s to 1971, the United States used Agent Orange to defoliate large tracts of Vietnamese forests. In the 1990s, Saddam Hussein vengefully ordered the burning of Kuwaiti oil wells, resulting in massive pollution to the air, land and surrounding seas. More recently, ecocentric harm has been documented in the Colombian civil war, by the so-called Islamic State group, and in the Ukraine conflict, among others. Whilst international humanitarian law (IHL) contains several prohibitions against environmental harm, the most striking is Article 55(2) of Additional Protocol I, whereby “[a]ttacks against the natural environment by way of reprisals are prohibited”. Although this provision appears absolute and unconditional, critical questions persist regarding its status under customary international law and its applicability in non-international armed conflicts. Moreover, its criminalization has not been explored in the jurisprudence of international courts or in the relevant scholarly literature, despite the fact that penal sanctions against individuals are an important factor for enforcement of environmental protections.To fill the lacuna, the following analysis examines the prohibition and criminalization of reprisals against the natural environment. It reviews conventional and customary international law to determine the current status of a putative criminal prohibition and its potential as lex ferenda. Importantly, it also assesses the relevance of reprisals against the natural environment for prosecutions under existing war crimes, such as attacks on civilian objects and destruction of enemy property. It generates novel insights for the application of international law to ecocentric harm, including that (1) reprisals against the natural environment are not criminal per se, but (2) conceptualizing the environment as a civilian object opens up clear paths for prosecuting attacks, including reprisals, against it; (3) the inherently intentional nature of reprisals has far-reaching implications for their prosecution; (4) reprisals can significantly impact the pivotal test of military necessity which arises in criminal prohibitions such as that found in Article 8(2)(b)(iv) of the Rome Statute; and (5) situations of reprisals could impact the application of the proposed definition of ecocide.Traversing IHL and international criminal law (ICL), the article identifies ways in which these traditionally anthropocentric bodies of law can be reoriented to accommodate ecocentric values. This reconceptualization is significant, as the prospect of criminal sanctions is critical for deterring potential perpetrators and potentially adds a basis for reparations designed to remediate damage to the environment. The assessment redresses the fact that the natural environment has been seen as a peripheral matter under both IHL and ICL and has remained under-explored despite the ongoing destruction wrought on nature including during armed conflict. It seeks to elevate the environment to a core protected value under these legal regimes, as a reflection of our increasing awareness that the natural environment is critical for the well-being of current and future generations and our growing appreciation of the intrinsic importance of protecting nature.

Multidisciplinary Integrated Approach Unlocks Fracture-Characterization Ambiguity

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 213771, “Unlocking Fracture-Characterization Ambiguity: A Multidisciplinary Integrated Approach,” by Ali Abughneej, Mohamed Al-Naqeeb, and Mohammed Al-Ostath, SPE, Kuwait Oil Company, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Fracture systems play a significant role in production in the case of tight, low-porosity complex reservoirs. An exploration well in North Kuwait that targeted the Middle Marrat formation encountered uncertainty regarding reservoir compartments in an underexplored field, with minimal offset wells to properly evaluate its potential. A multidomain approach is proposed leveraging different types of expertise to tackle the petrophysical and geomechanical aspects of the fracture system governing the carbonate layer and assess its producibility and qualification for stimulation through hydraulic fracturing. Introduction A comprehensive study was performed on Well A targeting the Marrat formation, a tight, low-permeability carbonate Jurassic reservoir. During the last two decades, the operator has drilled many vertical and deviated wells through this formation. Hydrocarbon production from the closely spaced wells shows a major variation in flow rates, which has been attributed to the presence of uncharacterized fracture clusters as well as the limited understanding of reservoir compartmentalization. To address the challenges of production discrepancy, an innovative multidomain approach was proposed as an integrated solution in an attempt to understand the fracture systems governing the reservoir setting and its compartments and further assess their connectivity and extent to form a perspective on their possible contribution or hindrance to flow. An end-to-end comprehensive work flow was created combining the results of advanced formation evaluation, high-resolution borehole imaging, and state-of-the-art sonic imaging [the 3D far-field sonic (3DFFS) approach], followed by a fracture-stability analysis for the purposes of completion optimization and potential future hydraulic fracture design. Geological Setting Middle Marrat is targeted as the hydrocarbon-bearing zone, consisting of dolomitized oolitic grainstone to packstone facies, reflecting the high-energy inner-midramp shoal depositional environment.

Strategies for cost-effective remediation of widespread oil-contaminated soils in Kuwait, an environmental legacy of the first Gulf War

The Kuwaiti oil fire during the first Gulf War resulted in the formation of approximately 300 “oil lakes” of varying sizes that covered over 110 km2 of the desert land. This threatens the fragile desert ecosystems and human health. Following the award of over US$2 billion to the State of Kuwait by the United Nations, large-scale remediation of the oil-contaminated soils has now been on the agenda. However, how to implement the remediation program in a cost-effective way represents a major challenge. In this study, cost-effective remediation strategies were developed based on field and laboratory investigations in a typical oil lake area. Overall, most of the lighter petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) were lost due to evaporation. Long-chain aliphatic PHCs dominated the PHCs in the investigated oil lake area. This has implications for developing remediation strategies. Toxicity assessment results showed that the majority of soils pose a low environmental risk with a hazard index <1. Therefore, intensive treatment of these PHCs may not be necessary for these soils. Although active treatment methods are needed to remove the contaminants as soon as practical for the relatively small areas of high contamination, more cost-effective passive methods should be considered to minimize the remedial costs for the larger area of the non-hotspot areas. Given the extremely low risk in terms of groundwater contamination by the contaminated soils, it may not be necessary to remove the soils from the contaminated sites. A low-cost capping method should be sufficient to minimize human exposure to the PHC-contaminated soils.

Technology Focus: Unconventional and Tight Reservoirs (July 2023)

Unconventional reservoirs have always posed a myriad of engineering conundrums to solve to develop the vast resources contained in these challenging formations. Since the early 2000s, when macroeconomics and demand set the stage for “the great shale race,” energy companies have looked to technology to unlock these resources. As the demand for energy continues to increase, so does the sociopolitical demand that these resources be produced in a sustainable way. This reflective thought has defined this month’s selection of technical papers, each speaking to a different facet of this feature’s theme: unconventional reservoir development for a sustainable energy transition. Starting with what we’ve learned with over 2 decades of unconventional exploration and development, there are many lessons the industry can apply across a wide variety of reservoir types and locations. The first paper highlighted this month speaks to the power of learning from others. From North America to the Middle East nations and on to the Asia Pacific region, companies have been able to trial quickly and pivot to new technologies by sharing learning from basin to basin. The Vaca Muerta in Argentina has benefited from associative learning in its journey from emerging basin to heartland resource for South America. Big data is leading the way to innovation. By definition, unconventional reservoirs are burdened with poor permeability and, hence, require multiple wells or longer wells with multiple contact points to develop economic rates. This large data set means a large amount of information in a complex and heavily dependent matrix of wells and reservoir parameters. Digital technology has matured at an ever-increasing pace, enabling big data mining and harnessing understanding of these complex unconventional reservoirs. The second paper showcased this month shows an application of digital learning tools developed to place wells more efficiently in an intricate fluvial tight gas reservoir of mainland China. Finally, the third paper selected for this month’s feature supports the idea of the fundamental center of unconventional technology being a breeding ground for innovation. Sustainability in the future of resource development presents the call for more and cleaner energy. The pioneering spirit of unconventionals is brimming with answers to that call through continued advancement of technology in novel ways. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 207394 First Successful Pilot Testing of Unconventional Reservoir in North Kuwait From Scratch to Productivity by Zamzam Mohammed Ahmed, Kuwait Oil Company, et al. SPE 211129 A Machine-Learning-Based Accelerated Approach To Infer the Breakdown Pressure of Tight Rocks by Zeeshan Tariq, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, et al. SPE 207906 Future-Proofing the Development of Unconventional Resources in UAE by Viannet Okouma Mangha, ADVOC, et al.

The effects of cross-cultural differences on HRM functions: the case of multinational corporations in Kuwaiti community

PurposeWith increasing globalization, the importance of referring to cross-cultural contexts is also amplifying in the contemporary era. The models, framework and dimensions devoted to such situations are increasingly mannered in practice today. With due consideration derivation to the input manner, an organization’s performance is also taken aside for its increasing marginality. The following study aims to examine the American multinational oil and gas company operating in Kuwait's oil sector to evaluate the respect. The branch has a total of 600 employees, which were all included in the data collection phase. Hence, the results derived with cumulative aspects of leadership, power distance and organizational value as their impact on human resource management (HRM) functions.Design/methodology/approachThrough the quantitative approach of a self-adapted questionnaire, 101 responses were collected, and through SPSS Version 22, results were discreet.FindingsThe results reverted with the manual that the cultural dimension of Hofstede, i.e. power distance, did not have an apparent impact on the HRM functions. Whilst leadership and organizational values had their dissolved set of effects on HRM functions of the chosen firm. However, HRM functions were apparent enough to have its impact upon leadership, power distance (PD) and organizational value accumulated. Opening to the opportunities where in the future studies, a greater extent of population as well as variables could be considered for a better impact.Research limitations/implicationsThe Major limitation of the study is related to the number of respondents as the research was conducted solely for the chosen branch of this private oil and gas firm in Kuwait, which makes its results limited and narrowed in the analysis phase. Moreover, the methodology selection did not do justice to the resulting research’s agenda, which was restricted due to the pandemic’s situation. Where with a better and respective methodology approach, better results could be attached.Originality/valueThe rationale of research refers to the gap concerning theoretical aspects within a field of business. As for the resulting study, in a cross-cultural management setting, the relevancy and implication of HRM functions concerning their transparency have not been explored. Globally, in different industries, the, study of similar nature has been conducted but has not examined, the fossil fuel industry particularly, which would be the focal point of this research.

Employee Survey Identifying Threats and Motivating Factors in the Implementation of ISO 9001 in the Kuwait Oil and Gas Sector

Enterprise standards for business processes such as ISO 9001:2015 are used worldwide in the energy sector. Use of these standards improves business processes and improves organizational quality management. There are however trade-offs to implementation in the form of organizational disruption, startup costs, and institutional resistance to change. Increasing quality management enables improved response to disruptions. Accelerating the implementation of these standards requires employee engagement to identify the benefits to agility and barriers so they can be overcome. Given the scale and regularity of disruptions to the energy sector in past decades, it is urgent that these practices be applied in the industry at a supply chain scale, which will make it an appropriate example to survey employees within the petroleum industry. This example is focused on evaluating the risks and opportunities for the implementation of ISO standards in the oil and gas industries. An employee survey is used as the basis for these evaluations. Based on hypothesis testing, results indicate that lack of motivation among employees to follow the standards and lack of adequate training contribute the most to the risks. Additionally, several opportunities seem to contribute to the reduction of these risks, per the survey takers’ opinions. In a first step, the various factors are compared and studied from the perspective of employees. A survey of employees is prepared from the literature and a pilot study. The results in part illustrate how particular oil and gas companies are pursuing ISO certifications. The survey helps in identifying risks and preparing a roadmap of the processes that can be used by industries and organizations to improve quality practices. This paper should be of wide interest to industries and organizations that are implementing ISO 9001:2015 and other enterprise standards in the energy sector.

Study Investigates Ineffectiveness of Acid Fracturing for Tight Reservoir Rock

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 209264, “Ineffectiveness of Acid Fracturing for Stimulating a Tight Fractured Reservoir Rock: A Case Study,” by Huda R. Al-Enezi, Kuwait Oil Company, and Iraj Ershaghi, SPE, University of Southern California. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The complete paper describes the analysis of actual performance data for acid fracturing in a tight carbonate formation and the ineffectiveness of the process as measured by the performance responses of the producing wells. An included case study relates to a tight formation that is considered a reservoir rather than a source rock. The formation permeability is in the range of 0.1–5 md. Development has been through numerous horizontal wells with limited multistage acid stimulation. Analysis of performance data for more than 30 wells indicates no fracture flow and very limited stimulated production. Background A category of tight conventional reservoir rocks exists that has not been subjected to horizontal drilling and multistage fracturing. The objective of the authors’ study is to analyze the ineffectiveness of treatment response under acid fracturing and explore the potential of implementing multistage fracturing for a tight reservoir rock using experience gained from unconventional resources. The subject reservoir is a tight carbonate of the Middle Cretaceous age with porosity ranges between 15 and 19% and an average thickness of approximately 90 ft. Oil viscosity ranges between 2.06 and 2.54 cp and average oil gravity is 25° API. The reservoir is a depletion-drive type where the main natural energy is provided by gas in solution. Among the initial wells, only six were successful. The field is very complex, based on stratigraphic and structural characteristics. The first horizontal well was drilled during 2015–16 and was subjected to seven-stage acid fracturing. This resulted in a substantial increase of well cumulative production compared with that of vertical wells. The development plan of this field was implemented with horizontal wells with laterals extending approximately 3,000 ft. Each well was subjected to multistage acid fracturing. Examination of performance data indicated that producing wells suffered from rapid pressure depletion after a production period of 3–6 months. Wells cease natural flow and cannot sustain production even after what is considered acid fracturing without the help of artificial lift. Conventional production plots show that typical performance begins with a high initial rate for a short duration followed by a sharp decline before a stabilization period. To improve and recommend a proper hydraulic fracture design, the authors studied the effectiveness of current stimulation to develop alternative improvement procedures. Methodology The effectiveness of acid stimulation was analyzed and evaluated by using historical production for 4 years. To study the initial rates seen on these horizontal wells, a productivity-prediction tool was used to inversely compute the effective formation-permeability responsible or the observed initial production on these wells. Production data were used to inversely calculate the geometrical averaged permeability from initial field-production data assuming that the initial conditions followed a steady-state regime.

Mapping Kuwait Oil Company's Assets using Photogrammetry Techniques

Mapping Kuwait Oil Company's Assets using Photogrammetry Techniques

Leadership Skills in the Kuwait Oil and Gas Sector

Background: Kuwait is a major oil producer. The Oil and Gas Sector is a very complex and highly technical field that it is essential to have technical competencies. Aim: This paper explores the leadership skills of third-line leaders in the Kuwait oil and gas sector. Method: This paper addresses the leadership needs of the framework and how equipped are the third-line leaders in the oil and gas industry. Empirical evidence is collected by semi-structured interviews from the third-line leaders and the findings are presented. The sample size was 42 third-line leaders and data were collected through personal in-depth interviews. Findings: The Kuwaitisation (localisation) policy and Kuwaiti attitude towards wasta and tribalism could have led to ill-equipped third-line managers. Proper training to upgrade the skills is essential. The fourth industrial revolution and the digital age including the internet of things has only augmented the urgency in new skills training.