Oil and gas major BP has said it is on track to achieving a 50 per cent Omanisation rate by at its newly established operations in the Sultanate by the end of 2008.

The announcement comes on the eve of the inauguration of BP’s new Muscat office and as the company prepares for seismic operations at the Khazzan/Makarem gas fields in central Oman.

The first recruitment phase has successfully been completed with the hiring of 15 Omani nationals, including five women, into a range of positions including finance, engineering, supply chain management, health and safety, human resources, community and external affairs and office services.

“BP’s work on the Khazzan/Makarem fields is an important element of Oman’s future energy strategy. Long-term sustainability of the project depends not only on operational and technical aspects, but also on being integral part of the country and the community. BP in Oman – as it does elsewhere in the world – aims as much as possible to be a local energy company and the hiring of Omani nationals is an important step toward achieving this. This is not an easy target, but it is something we should aim for and work hard towards” explained Michael Townshend, president, BP Oman.

A second recruitment drive has commenced for roles in drilling and completions, geology, geophysics and petroleum engineering, planning and logistics, safety and environment, human resources and finance. Further recruitment phases are planned for later in 2008, by the end of which at least 50 per cent of BP’s workforce in the Sultanate will be Omani, he said.  –TradeArabia News Service