The Bahrain National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) has issued its annual report, documenting major achievements for 2010 including its key exploration and strategic projects.

The report said these projects were aimed at optimising competence and boosting productivity of the vital oil and gas sector, in addition to aspects of co-operation bonding Noga and other global petroleum corporations.

According to survey, Bahrain hosted 26 major events, including the Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition, which was held last year under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The GEO2010 contributed to promoting Bahrain's status as a crucial regional centre, attracting international petroleum events.

The 2010 annual report details external participations, such as international oil meetings and conferences. It also spotlights legislations, administrative decisions as well as development and modernisation initiatives and Noga publications.

Copies of the annual Noga 2010 Report will be distributed to senior officials, ministries, Bahrain-based embassies, researchers and oil and gas specialists.

"The report coincides with the fifth anniversary of the royal decree 63 for 2005, issued by His Majesty King Hamad, establishing the Noga, which replaced the oil ministry," Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza said.

He described 2010 as an eventful year for the oil and gas sector in the kingdom.

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman, inaugurated Tatweer Petroleum Company - investment project which brings together Nogaholding, Occidental Petroleum Corporation and Mubadala Development Company, in a joint venture operating company to manage the Bahrain Field and use the latest recovery technology to more than double the production capacity of the field over the next 20 years.

In 2010, Bapco opened its Refinery Gas Desulphurisation Project at a cost of $150 million to preserve the environment.

Bapco and Korean Gold Star Company also signed a Refinery Water Treatment Unit agreement.

The $120m facility aims at eliminating all chemical components in refinery cooling water as part of Bapco's efforts towards preserving the environment and spreading greenery in Bahrain.

Dr Mirza hailed the leadership for its constant support for the vital sector of oil and gas, adding that it is a cornerstone boosting sustained development programmes and Bahrain's national economy.-TradeArabia News Service