The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with China Oilfield Services to enhance Uganda’s oil drilling capabilities. Under this agreement, UNOC will benefit from specialized training in areas such as drilling exploration and engineering audits.
China Oilfield Services is a Tier 1 contractor currently involved at KingFisher Area in spudding, operating the oil rig, and drilling the 31 oil wells in Kikuube District.
Kingfisher is under the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).
Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja, the UNOC chief executive officer, also confirmed that at least three oil wells have undergone spudding in preparation for drilling. Spudding refers to the process of beginning to drill an oil well.
“The technical teams are evaluating how much oil is in those wells, but China Oilfield Services will be at the forefront of drilling the different wells within KingFisher. The target is to drill 31 wells so that we see the first oil by 2025,” Ms. Nabbanja said.
UNOC, which was granted an exploration licence by the Energy Ministry, is expected to secure a joint venture to explore oil in Kasurubani, which stretches 1,285 square kilometres in Masindi Buliisa and Nwoya districts.
Ms. Nabbanja did not rule out seeking the services of China Oilfield Services during exploration. The memorandum covers two years, with the possibility of an extension.
We want to be like CNOOC or Total Energies, Ms. Nabbanja said, noting that the highly technical services will help UNOC build a business case to participate in key projects such as the pipeline and upstream projects.
China Oilfield Services has a global footprint in oilfield services such as drilling and exploration.
Mr. William Zhong, the China Oilfield Services head of marketing, said the memorandum seeks to build momentum for good cooperation, especially in the petroleum industry.
He stated, “On our part, we offer comprehensive services spanning from the initial exploration phase to the eventual decommissioning of oil wells. As a result, we are dedicated to delivering training and fostering knowledge exchange to strengthen our partnerships.”
