Bahrain-based Tatweer Petroleum has launched its new Rubble Heavy Oil Steam Injection project, marking the  first time that steam has been injected into an oil reservoir in the Bahrain Field.

This will enable Bahrain to produce oil from the rubble reservoir, which is located approximately 1,600 feet below the surface. The injected steam will help in heating up the oil and make it much easier to flow out of the reservoir.

The inauguration of the project by Energy Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza was attended by Tatweer chief executive Dr Ed Hanley, its executive management, Banagas chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and other guests.

Tatweer's first steam injection pilot project is a test to see if oil production can be improved by the injection of steam.

If successful, it will be commissioned on a wider scale in the Bahrain Field.

Dr Mirza congratulated Tatweer for this achievement in introducing the new technology to the Bahrain Field and allowing the kingdom to reach its resources more efficiently.

This project is one of many that Tatweer has commissioned in the field and comes in less than a month from the second phase of its new gas compression station in the Bahrain Field.

Meanwhile, Dr Mirza yesterday met a delegation of senior officials from international oil company Chevron.

He praised efforts of the company in the oil and gas sector.

Dr Mirza also hailed co-operation between the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) and Chevron, as well as the historical relations between Bahrain and the company.

The minister stressed the importance of co-operation and exchange of expertise between Chevron and Bahrain's national oil companies under the administration of the Nogaholding Company for the benefit of the oil sector.

Dr Mirza discussed with the delegation the role of Chevron in the production of oil and gas in the kingdom and several other issues.

The meeting was attended by Bapco chief executive Gordon Smith and members of the executive management. – TradeArabia News Service