The interim government is taking steps to accelerate onshore gas well drilling and exploration by acquiring gas exploration rigs. The development project proposal (DPP) for purchasing rigs has been sent to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources.
After receiving approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) will move forward with the tender process, which is already ready for launch.
Responsible sources from the Bangladesh Oil, Gas, and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) told Bangladesh Pratidin that a project has been initiated to purchase one rig (gas exploration equipment ) initially. A feasibility study is also ongoing for purchasing two more rigs.
Experts have pointed out that it will not be enough to simply purchase rigs; a competent workforce is also required. Without it, the rigs will not be useful and could become a burden.
According to information from BAPEX, there are currently five rigs in Bangladesh, one of which is quite old, purchased in 1987. These rigs have a capacity ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 horsepower.
Md. Shoaib, Director (Production Sharing Contract) of Petrobangla and former Managing Director of BAPEX, said that they have proposed the purchase of one workover rig and two drilling rigs. These rigs are being purchased for onshore activities.
He further explained that the government’s plan to drill 50 wells is ongoing. The Sylhet Gas Fields Limited, Bangladesh Gas Field Company Limited (BGFCL), and BAPEX are carrying out drilling activities at various locations. Tenders are being floated for the wells that were planned under specific laws, and the contracts are awarded to those offering acceptable prices.
He also mentioned that the Awami League government had last purchased rigs in 2018.
“Energy is crucial for the country, and the government is prioritizing the growth of the energy sector. There is no room for negligence in this regard. The purchase of new rigs will increase the number of wells being drilled simultaneously in the country.”
Energy, Power, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan recently informed the media, “We are focusing on gas exploration. If the drilling of the 50 wells is successful, they will be able to bring in an additional 500 MMCFD of gas. New seismic surveys and drilling are taking place in Bhola. They are purchasing rigs, as the existing ones cannot reach deep levels. Therefore, they are acquiring a deep rig.”
Energy, Power, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan recently informed the media that the government is prioritizing gas exploration.
The Adviser mentioned that if the drilling of the planned 50 wells is successful, it could result in an additional 500 MMCFD of gas supply.
He also noted that new seismic surveys and drilling operations are underway in Bhola. Since the current rigs lack the capacity to drill to greater depths, the government is now investing in a deep drilling rig.
Energy and sustainable development expert Dr Ijaz Hossain said, “Purchasing rigs is a good initiative, but the necessary workforce to manage the rigs is lacking. The workforce needs to be in place first, or else these rigs will become “white elephants,” eventually turning into a burden. In this case, a separate company could be formed, where foreign crews could lease rigs and extract gas.”
Energy and sustainable development expert Dr Ijaz Hossain stated that buying rigs is a positive step, but the required manpower to operate them is currently unavailable.
Dr Ijaz Hossain emphasized that this workforce must be established first; otherwise, the rigs could become "white elephants"—valuable but ultimately burdensome assets.
As a solution, he suggested forming a separate company that could lease the rigs and employ foreign crews for gas extraction.
(Translated by Afia Nanjiba Ibnat)
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