Wellhead and Artificial Lift Deployment in Block-6

SLB has been awarded two five-year contracts to deliver wellhead and artificial lift technologies for Petroleum Development Oman’s Block-6 concession, supporting production efficiency, asset longevity, and in-country value development.

Scope of the Block-6 contracts
The contracts cover the supply of low-pressure, high-pressure, and thermal wellheads, alongside electric submersible pumps (ESPs) and progressive cavity pumps (PCPs). Block-6 is Oman’s largest oil and gas concession and includes a wide range of reservoir conditions, requiring differentiated well completion and artificial lift solutions.

The combination of wellhead equipment and artificial lift systems is intended to support sustained production from mature and technically complex wells. ESPs are typically deployed in higher-rate applications where efficient downhole power delivery is critical, while PCPs are commonly used in wells producing viscous fluids or solids-laden hydrocarbons.

Technical role of wellheads and artificial lift
Wellheads form the primary pressure containment and structural interface between the subsurface well and surface facilities. The inclusion of thermal wellheads indicates suitability for high-temperature applications, such as steam-assisted or thermally stimulated production. High-pressure wellheads are designed to manage elevated reservoir pressures while maintaining sealing integrity and operational safety.

Artificial lift systems are applied to increase recovery rates and extend the productive life of wells as natural reservoir pressure declines. ESP systems equipped with permanent magnet motors can reduce electrical losses and improve overall system efficiency, while integrated surveillance systems enable continuous monitoring of operating parameters, supporting condition-based intervention and improved uptime.

Manufacturing and in-country value development
As part of the contracts, SLB will expand local manufacturing and assembly activities in Oman. Wellheads will be produced at the company’s Rusayl production centre, while ESPs will be assembled, repaired, and tested at its Nizwa facility. A key milestone includes the introduction of locally manufactured gate valves within six months of contract commencement.

These activities support in-country value objectives by increasing domestic manufacturing capability, shortening supply chains, and supporting skilled employment. The contracts are expected to involve hundreds of Omani employees across production, assembly, testing, and support functions.

Technology deployment and operational implications
The contracts include deployment of a modular compact wellhead system rated for high-pressure applications, along with ESP surveillance technologies and permanent magnet motors. From a technical perspective, modular wellhead designs can reduce installation time and footprint, while advanced monitoring systems improve visibility into downhole performance.

For Block-6 operations, the integration of locally manufactured wellhead equipment with monitored artificial lift systems supports more predictable production performance and lifecycle management. The approach illustrates how well completion hardware, artificial lift technologies, and local industrial capability are being combined to support long-term field development within Oman’s oil and gas sector.