Overview of Business

In 1974, The Government, through Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) became the owner of 60 per cent share in the ADMA Concession, thereby taking overall control. While ADMA Limited (BP, Total and JODCO - see shareholders page) continued to operate the concession, on 3rd July 1977 the Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) was established to take over the responsibility of operating the concession's fields.

The Joint Management Committee (JMC) and the Board of Directors are the highest authorities, which oversee ADMA-OPCO operations. The JMC formulates the long-term policies of investment and development, while the Board of Directors is responsible for monitoring the technical and financial performance of the Company, and also submits its recommendations to the JMC.

The company objectives are as follows;

Ensure the continued operation and development of facilities and to explore the concession area
Produce oil and gas
Develop a work program and budget and manage the work program at minimum cost with safe and efficient operations
Ensure the priority is given to UAE Nationals in recruitment, training and development
Operate in accordance with the laws and regulations of the state
Ensure high standard of safety for personnel and installations, and to ensure the protection of the environment.

In 1986, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), owner of the majority shareholding in ADMA-OPCO, assigned to the Company responsibility for all off-shore drilling and the required logistical support, not only in its own Concession area, but elsewhere.

The decision expressed a clear recognition of the Company's leadership role and expertise in these and other areas of the oil industry. From a single rig - the DAMA Enterprise - in 1950s, the Company's drilling operations expanded to include, at a 1982 high point, a total of 14 rigs.

Toady, ADMA-OPCO remains at the forefront of offshore drilling technology, continuing to make use of the very latest development in the field. Besides the original technique of vertical drilling which is still employed, deviated and later horizontal drilling were also introduced. In 2001, the latest innovation, a concept known as 'Drilling The Limit' DTL, was introduced, leading to substantial savings in time and cost. At present, the company is using 12 rigs, all under contract with National Drilling Company (NDC), another member of the ADNOC Group.

For offshore operations, the Company contracts a fleet of offshore vessels and helicopters, while the smooth provision of running logistics support is co-ordinated between Das Island, the fields and Mussafah Supply Base.