OSW Q&A SERIES

Haroon Al Mahrooqi

Managing Director for Oman, Pakistan and Yemen

SLB

Please give us a brief overview of your organization and your core offerings to the energy, oil and gas, renewables, or sustainability ecosystem.


SLB is a global energy technology company operating in 100+ countries, delivering solutions across three engines of growth: Core (oil & gas), Digital, and New Energy - to unlock access to energy while lowering its carbon footprint.


Can you share how your company is contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the impact your strategy will have?


SLB has a long-standing track record in Oman, partnering across the energy sector to drive operational efficiency, local manufacturing, and In-Country Value (ICV). Our contributions span three key areas:

 

1.    Operational decarbonization in oil & gas: We actively support Oman’s decarbonization and carbon management goals through innovative solutions and projects, such as: Low-Carbon Cement to reduce emissions in well construction, High-Performance Water-Based Mud for sustainable drilling operations, Zero-Flare Well Test Cleanup to eliminate flaring and associated emissions during well testing, and Participation in PDO’s first CO injection project for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)—a milestone in carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Oman.

  1. Digital performance and efficiency: Through advanced digital technologies like DrillOps and Techlog, we support PDO’s Digital Wells Operation Centre to minimize invisible lost time and shorten well construction and workover durations—resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced emissions per well.
  2. ICV & local capability:  Commitment to being a leading contributor in the Oman energy through significant investments (Rusayl Wellhead MFG, Nizwa Assembly, Repair, & Testing Centre, ChampionX Salalah Rod MFG Centre & Oman Perforation Techonolgy Center) to strengthen supply chains, reduce logistics emissions, and build national skills.

 What major trends or technologies do you believe will shape the energy and renewable sector in 2026 and beyond?


1. Acceleration of Carbon Management & CCUS

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) will become a cornerstone of decarbonization strategies. Technologies enabling large-scale CO injection, monitoring, and storage will be critical for achieving net-zero goals, especially in hard-to-abate sectors.

2. Digitalization & AI-Driven Operations

Advanced digital platforms, AI, and automation will optimize drilling, production, and maintenance—reducing costs, improving safety, and minimizing emissions. Predictive analytics and real-time monitoring will enable smarter, more sustainable operations.

3. Low-Carbon Materials & Circular Economy

Innovations in low-carbon cement, sustainable drilling fluids, and recycling of materials will support greener well construction and reduce lifecycle emissions.

4. Electrification & Integration of Renewables

Electrification of oilfield operations and integration of renewable energy sources (solar, wind) into upstream and midstream processes will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower operational carbon footprints.


How is your organization integrating digitalization, automation, or AI into operations or services?

SLB is embedding advanced digital technologies and AI across its workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve decision-making. Key initiatives include:

  • Drilling Automation & AI
    • DrillOps: Automates drilling workflows and optimizes well construction in real time.
    • Autonomous Directional Drilling: Uses AI-driven steering for precision and reduced non-productive time.
  • Digital Reservoir & Production Management
    • Techlog & Petrel Platforms: AI-powered modeling and simulation for better reservoir understanding and production optimization.
    • Delfi Digital Platform: Cloud-based environment for integrated workflows and data analytics.
  • Predictive Maintenance & Asset Optimization
    • AI-driven predictive analytics to minimize equipment downtime and extend asset life.
  • Emissions Monitoring & Compliance
    • SEES (End-to-End Emissions Solutions): Digital sensors and AI analytics for continuous methane detection and reporting.
  • Remote Operations & Virtual Collaboration
    • Digital Well Operation Centers enabling real-time monitoring and remote decision-making, reducing travel and carbon footprint.

What steps is your organization taking toward sustainability, decarbonization, and ESG compliance?


SLB is committed to advancing sustainability and meeting ESG standards through a comprehensive strategy focused on climate action, responsible operations, and social impact. Key steps include:

1. Decarbonization & Climate Action

  • Net-Zero Commitment: SLB targets net-zero emissions by 2050, with interim goals for Scope 1, 2, and 3 reductions.
  • Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS): Leading projects globally and locally, including PDO’s first CO injection for EOR.
  • Low-Carbon Technologies: Deployment of low-carbon cement, high-performance water-based mud, and zero-flare well test cleanup.

2. Operational Emissions Reduction

  • End-to-End Emissions Solutions (SEES): Continuous methane detection and mitigation to reduce near-term climate impact.
  • Electrification & Energy Efficiency: Transitioning operations to lower-carbon energy sources and optimizing energy use.

3. Digitalization for Sustainability

  • AI & Automation: Digital platforms like DrillOps and Techlog reduce invisible lost time and emissions per well.
  • Remote Operations: Digital Well Operation Centers minimize travel-related emissions.

 

4. ESG Governance & Reporting

  • Transparent ESG Framework: Alignment with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and SASB standards.
  • Third-Party Audits & Compliance: Regular assessments to ensure adherence to environmental and social commitments.

5. Social Responsibility & ICV

  • Local Capability Development: Investments in Oman’s manufacturing and technology centers to strengthen supply chains and build national skills.
  • Community Engagement: Programs supporting education, STEM, and workforce development. For example, in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Directorate General of Education for Al Dakhiliyah, we helped establish STEM Robotics Labs in three local schools, empowering students with hands-on technology skills for the future.

What motivated your organization to participate as a sponsor for both OSW 2026?

SLB’s sponsorship of OSW 2026 reflects our commitment to Oman’s energy transition and Vision 2040. These events provide strategic platforms to showcase innovative technologies, foster industry collaboration, and reinforce our role in driving sustainability and local value creation.


What strategic objectives are you aiming to achieve through your participation at the events?

·       Showcase Innovation: Present SLB’s latest technologies in digitalization, decarbonization, and low-carbon solutions.

·       Strengthen Partnerships: Engage with key stakeholders to drive collaboration on Oman’s energy transition.

·       Support National Goals: Align with Oman Vision 2040 by promoting sustainability and local value creation.