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ZAKUM Development Company (ZADCO) was established as per law No. 9 of 15th November, 1977, issued by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. ZADCO mandate was to develop the Upper Zakum field on behalf of ADNOC for the benefit of the partners of the concession. ZADCO today operates for the benefit of three shareholders in the joint venture, 60% to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ExxonMobil with 28% share and 12% to Japan Oil Development Company Ltd. (JODCO).

As a result of a study made by ADNOC on the inter-related operations of the Upper Zakum, Umm Al-Dalkh and Satah fields, it was decided to merge the operations of Umm Al- Dalkh Development Company (UDECO) with ZADCO in order to rationalize operations and minimize operating costs. This merger that officially took place on 1st April 1988, was a historical event and the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi oil industry.

The exerted efforts that accompanied the launching of ZADCO for the development of Upper Zakum Field in Nov. 1977 were fully successful as evidence through the first crude oil shipment exported from Zirku Island on " Al Ain " tanker on 24th May, 1983.

The above event was a sufficient reason for pride and boasting that the efforts made through the past years yielded its fruits to place ZADCO as one of the leading oil producers in the world. The success of production from Upper Zakum field, reservoirs bolstered ZADCO’s position, capabilities and qualifications to handle further tasks within the scope of development and production of oil from Umm Al- Dalkh and Satah fields.

ZADCO OPERATES THREE FIELDS
Upper Zakum Field
Oil was discovered in Zakum field, extending around 1200 square Kilometers, in 1963 in the deep waters of the Arabian Gulf 84 Kms. north west of Abu Dhabi.

Through wellhead platforms, oil is pumped to the main collection platforms (satellites), then to the central complex where it is pumped to Zirku Island at 56 Kms. through 42 inch main pipeline for treatment, storage and export.

During the past few years, ZADCO executed several projects for the development of Upper Zakum field to maximize production rates.

The Central Complex is deemed as one of the biggest offshore structures in the world (375 x 46 meters) designed for gas separation, treatment and pressuring of gas, generating power for the complex and the central platforms in addition to providing various living facilities through two accommodation platforms with supporting facilities.

Umm Al-Dalkh field
Umm Al-Dalkh field is located 25 Kms. north west of Abu Dhabi and covers an area of 168 square Kilometers. The field is composed of two separated domes where the layers carrying oil are located in the upper formation at the depth of 7700 feet at 235 feet thickness.

The process of operations in this field took several years beginning from the oil discovery in 1969, through field development followed by oil production in 1985 and finally the merger of UDECO with ZADCO in 1988.

Umm Al-Dalkh central complex is connected with the central complex of Upper Zakum field by 66 Kms. 14 inch main line where both oil are mixed and pumped to Zirku Island through 42 inch main pipe line.

Satah Field
Satah field with an area of 35 square Kilometers is located 200 Kms. north west of Abu Dhabi. This field, with its dome formation was discovered in 1975 and its production began in July 1987. Oil from Satah field is pumped to Zirku Island through 58 Kms. 14 inch pipeline.

ZADCO OPERATIONS CENTERS
Zirku Island
Since 24th May 1983, when the first shipment of oil was exported from Zirku Island; ZADCO operations base, it went through to become to what it stands now as a major center for oil and gas operations for the three offshore fields of ZADCO.

Zirku Island is located approx. 140 Kms. north west of Abu Dhabi and 56 Kms. from Upper Zakum field. The Island contains all subsistence facilities for the staff living. The Island also witnessed continuous plans of landscaping and tree growing reflecting our consistent drive for the protection of environment and people thus fostering sense of safe living among factories, plants and other oil installations.

Crude oil is pumped to oil tankers docked at the loading terminals through two 16 Kms. 48 inch lines extended through the sea.

Zirku Island witnessed several projects contributing to its industrial infrastructure and upgrading its capacity.

In addition, the Island also witnessed several civil projects related to landscaping and other living and recreational facilities.

Arzanah Island
In 1994, ZADCO was vested with the task of managing the operations of Arzanah island located 180 Kms. north west of Abu Dhabi. The Island is connected with other ZADCO’s systems with the availability of water and gas injection plant. It has a modern housing complex provided with all living facilities to cater for about 100 employees.

PEOPLE AND FACILITIES IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
With the gears of operations moving in all directions, ZADCO was able to achieve its established targets for the safety of personnel, plants and preserving a clean environment. No operation with such a huge size witnessed by ZADCO’s offshore sites went on with any single accident, thanks to the firm awareness, continuous training and full compliance with the health, safety and measures/standards environment that enabled the Company to avoid risks.

ZADCO managed to achieve a bright record in the field of safety marked with distinguished performance in all areas of business.

In a study for establishing the basis of environment protection as adopted by the Company, the results concluded by such study indicated that the environment conditions within the Company’s operations area are far better than expected as reflected by a variety of marine-creatures at the sea bed such as turtles. A large number of local and migrating birds such as pelicans, cormorents and sea birds also found safe shelter in both Zirku and Arzanah Islands.

Perhaps one of the most perspective reflecting the clean environment of ZADCO at the operations sites is the success of planting (Mangrove) trees which was performed in cooperation with the Environmental and Wildlife Research Agency (ERWDA) and Japan Oil Development Company (JODCO) for the best interest of the area due to the various benefits of such trees.

Hundreds of palm trees are being planted every year in Zirku Island contributing not to preserve the natural environment on the Island, but to enhance it where it has become a safe shelter for nesting and attracting several kinds of local and migrant birds.

COMPANY ADDRESS:
ZAKUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (ZADCO)
P.O. Box 46808, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Tel: +971-2-6050000
Fax: +971-2-6789448
Website: www.zadco.com

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