Contractors bid on PDO's Al-Ghubar GOGD facility
Source: meed.com
TL;DR
- PDO Tender Launch: Contractors are preparing bids for the Al-Ghubar gas-oil gravity drainage (GOGD) field facilities project by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).[[1]](https://www.meed.com/contractors-prepare-bids-for-al-ghubar-field-facilities-project)
- 1,800 sm³/d Capacity: The new sour facility in Qarn Alam, Block 6, will process up to 1,800 standard cubic metres of oil per day, with production routed to the main oil pipeline.[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
- PDO Output Boost: The project supports additional oil from the mature Al-Ghubar field using GOGD recovery, part of Oman's efforts to extend field life.[[1]](https://www.meed.com/contractors-prepare-bids-for-al-ghubar-field-facilities-project)
The story at a glance
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has invited contractors to bid on building the Al-Ghubar gas-oil gravity drainage (GOGD) facility at the field in Qarn Alam, within its Block 6 concession. The MEED report covers contractors readying bids for this engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work. This is reported now as bids are being prepared following PDO's recent EPC framework prequalification for Wave 1 projects including Al-Ghubar. Block 6 is Oman's main onshore oil and gas area.[[1]](https://www.meed.com/contractors-prepare-bids-for-al-ghubar-field-facilities-project)[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
Key points
- Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), operator of Block 6, plans a new Al-Ghubar GOGD facility to manage extra oil output from the field.[[1]](https://www.meed.com/contractors-prepare-bids-for-al-ghubar-field-facilities-project)
- Location is Qarn Alam in northern Block 6; output will tie into the main oil pipeline.[[3]](https://www.bncnetwork.net/project/AlGhubar-GasOil-Gravity-Drainage-GOGD-Facility/MzU4NTQy)
- Facility designed as sour (hydrogen sulfide-handling) with max oil capacity of 1,800 standard cubic metres per day (sm³/d), water 10,421 sm³/d, gas lift 256,934 sm³/d.[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
- Part of PDO's Wave 1 developments under a new EPC framework where contractors prequalified by June 2025 for greenfield/brownfield work.[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
- Al-Ghubar is a fractured carbonate field using GOGD for enhanced recovery; project stage listed as ongoing.[[3]](https://www.bncnetwork.net/project/AlGhubar-GasOil-Gravity-Drainage-GOGD-Facility/MzU4NTQy)
Details and context
The article is paywalled after the lead, but visible text and matching MEED coverage confirm PDO's plan for the GOGD facility to boost output from Al-Ghubar, a mature field discovered in 1964 near Qarn Alam salt structures.[[1]](https://www.meed.com/contractors-prepare-bids-for-al-ghubar-field-facilities-project)[[4]](https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/SP550-2023-220)
PDO launched prequalification for its EPC framework in April 2025 (deadline 22 June), targeting Al-Ghubar GOGD as a key Wave 1 project alongside Raba hub; this enables quick tendering for such facilities.[[5]](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/oman-seven-star_oilandgas-epc-gcc-activity-7410548739670470656-negm)
GOGD uses injected gas to drive oil downward via gravity in fractured reservoirs like Al-Ghubar; the facility handles sour conditions and routes production to existing infrastructure, extending Block 6's life where PDO produces most of Oman's oil.[[6]](https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/10.1144/SP548-2023-154)
No bidder names, values, or bid deadlines are public in the article or sources; project fits PDO's enhanced oil recovery push in aging fields.[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
Key quotes
None available from visible article text or matching sources.
Why it matters
PDO's Block 6 drives over 70% of Oman's oil output, so GOGD projects like Al-Ghubar help sustain national production amid field maturity. Contractors gain EPC opportunities in Oman's upstream, supporting local jobs and supply chains via in-country value rules. Watch for bid winners or awards, though timelines remain unclear as framework rollout continues.[[7]](https://edoman.om/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Investor-Presentation-2-Feb-2026.pdf)
FAQ
Q: Where is the Al-Ghubar GOGD facility located?
A: It is at Qarn Alam in the northern part of PDO's Block 6 concession area. Production will route to the main oil pipeline. The field is a fractured carbonate reservoir using gravity drainage recovery.[[3]](https://www.bncnetwork.net/project/AlGhubar-GasOil-Gravity-Drainage-GOGD-Facility/MzU4NTQy)
Q: What is the capacity of the new Al-Ghubar facility?
A: It will handle maximum oil production of 1,800 standard cubic metres per day, total water flow of 10,421 sm³/d, and gas lift of 256,934 sm³/d. The design accounts for sour service with hydrogen sulfide.[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
Q: How does the project fit PDO's plans?
A: It is a Wave 1 development under PDO's EPC framework for greenfield and brownfield work in Block 6. Prequalification closed June 2025 to speed up tenders like this one.[[2]](https://www.meed.com/pdo-receives-proposals-for-planned-epc-framework)
Q: What is gas-oil gravity drainage (GOGD)?
A: GOGD injects gas to displace oil downward by gravity in fractured reservoirs, boosting recovery in fields like Al-Ghubar. The facility processes the resulting oil, water, and gas streams.[[1]](https://www.meed.com/contractors-prepare-bids-for-al-ghubar-field-facilities-project)