ARAMCO GULF OPERATIONS COMPANY LTD.

Aramco Gulf Operations Company Ltd. (AGOC) is a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, the state oil company of Saudi Arabia, one of the largest and most significant petroleum and natural gas companies in the world. AGOC operates in the neutral zone between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, an area rich in oil and gas resources.

Key Points About AGOC:

1. Establishment and Operations:

   • AGOC was established to manage and operate the oil and gas facilities in the Partitioned Neutral Zone (PNZ) between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. This area is unique because it does not fall entirely under the jurisdiction of either country.
   • The company is responsible for managing and developing hydrocarbon resources in the region.

2. Facilities:

   • AGOC oversees several key oil fields in the PNZ, including the onshore Wafra field and the offshore Khafji field. These fields are operated in partnership with the Kuwaiti counterpart, typically Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC).

3. Production and Infrastructure:

   • AGOC plays a significant role in the exploration, drilling, production, and development operations within its operational scope in the PNZ.
   • The company's infrastructure includes a range of facilities such as drilling rigs, production wells, processing facilities, and export terminals.

4. Environmental and Safety Standards:

   • As part of Saudi Aramco, AGOC adheres to strict environmental, health, and safety guidelines. These standards are crucial to ensure sustainable operations and to mitigate the impact on the environment.

5. Joint Operations Agreements:

   • The cooperation between AGOC and its Kuwaiti counterpart follows specific operational agreements to manage the shared resources effectively.
   • These agreements are vital for balancing the interests of both nations and for maximizing the economic benefits derived from the PNZ.

6. Economic and Strategic Importance:

   • The oil and gas produced from the PNZ contribute significantly to the economies of both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
   • Additionally, the operations in this region hold strategic importance due to the considerable energy reserves located within the neutral zone.

Challenges:

• Geopolitical Factors:
  • The region has seen periodic suspensions of operations due to political and logistical disagreements between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, impacting production levels at times.
• Operational Complexities:
  • Operating in a neutral zone brings unique challenges in terms of administration and governance, requiring a high degree of coordination between the two nations.

Recent Developments:

• The operational status of the fields managed by AGOC and KGOC can be influenced by geopolitical agreements and energy market dynamics. Periodically, there may be updates on the resumption or suspension of activities based on bilateral agreements between the two countries.

AGOC's role is integral to the ongoing development and management of one of the world's most significant oil-producing areas, contributing substantially to the global energy supply. The company is a critical player in maintaining the energy output and economic stability of the region.