ISLAMABAD: Mari Energies Limited is set to produce around 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil from its three discoveries in Abu Dhabi, as the company moves ahead with the development phase of its UAE operations.
During the company’s corporate briefing on Tuesday to review its FY25 performance and outlook, Mari’s management confirmed that its board met with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to finalize the production plan, marking a major milestone for its international expansion.
“The production plan for the Abu Dhabi block has been approved, and the project will now move into the development phase,” company officials stated, adding that output from the three discoveries is expected to reach 25,000 bpd once operations commence.
Mari achieved its highest-ever production level of 39.13 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) in FY25. However, the company cited gas supply curtailments and an additional 15% royalty as key factors behind reduced earnings during the fiscal year.
Diversifying Beyond the Mari Field
Mari Energies has successfully reduced its reliance on the Mari field to 80%, down from 95% in FY2020, driven by new discoveries in the Waziristan and Sujawal blocks.
A deferment plan for LNG cargoes has been submitted to Qatar and is currently under review. If not approved, the company anticipates a 10–15% production decline in FY26 due to continued gas curtailments. Some of this impact may be mitigated through third-party allocations, though the company acknowledges it won’t fully offset the losses.
Expanding Gas Production
The Shewa gas field is currently producing 70 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), while the Spinwam well, to be connected to the same facility, will add an initial 30 mmcfd. Once fully developed, these frontier fields are projected to deliver up to 300 mmcfd within two to three years.
Mari estimates a capital expenditure (capex) of $400–500 million for the full development, though alternative cost-saving strategies are being explored.
Meanwhile, the Ghazij and Shawal fields are in the extended testing phase, producing around 40 mmcfd combined, with potential to reach 58 mmcfd once allocation is granted. Further development could increase output by an additional 180 mmcfd within 18 to 24 months.
Sustaining Core Operations and Future Plans
Mari aims to sustain its current production of 595–600 mmcfd from the Habib Rahi Limestone (HRL) reservoir through production enhancement measures, with no immediate plans for expansion.
On the technology front, the company reported progress on its Sky47 data centres. The first centre is nearing completion, while the Karachi facility is expected to be operational by the end of next year, running on a hybrid energy mix of green and grid power.
Mari also plans to maintain a drilling pace of 15–20 wells annually over the next five years, underscoring its strategy for steady growth and resource optimization both domestically and internationally.
