ARA Petroleum joins hands with Wakud to provide biodiesel fuel for ARA's Oman operations

Muscat: ARA Petroleum E&P (ARA), a Zubair Corporation company specialised in the discovery and production of hydrocarbons in Oman and internationally, signed a collaboration agreement with Wakud International which will supply biodiesel fuel for ARA’s operations in Oman.

The agreement was signed by Dr Omar bin Salim Al Jaaidi, General Manager of ARA and Maher bin Mohammed Al Habsi, Chief Executive Officer of Wakud International.

Based on the newly signed agreement, Wakud International will deliver biodiesel fuel which will power ARA’s Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) based in their water supply wells.

This collaboration demonstrates ARA's commitment to deploying locally manufactured biodiesel fuel for its operations which reinforces ARA's dedication towards environmentally friendly practices and net zero operations.

Speaking on the agreement, Sharifa Al Ruheili, Director of New Technologies at ARA said, “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Wakud International. Through this collaboration, we aim to promote sustainability and reduce carbon activities in our operations by implementing the best international standards and eco-friendly practices. Our objectives support the Oman Vision 2040 which aims to create a more sustainable environment for infrastructure projects in line with achieving net zero emissions.”

Maher Al Habsi, Chief Executive Officer of Wakud International added, “We are delighted to collaborate with ARA and provide our services to them. We seek to harness our experience in this field and support the Sultanate’s objectives toward achieving environmental sustainability and net zero emissions. Through this agreement, we aspire to support our customers in meeting their objectives to reduce carbon emissions and preserve the environment most practically and cost-effectively. We will continue our efforts towards maximising our expertise and strengthening our position in the sector as a leading Omani company in the field of biofuels.”

ARA Petroleum was formed in 2014 and owns several companies, such as ARA Petroleum Exploration and Production, ARA Petroleum B-44, ARA Petroleum B-31 and ARA Petroleum Tanzania. Wakud is an Omani SME based in the Khazaen Economic City in Barka where it operates its biodiesel facility. The facility recycles used cooking oil, after collecting it from hotels, restaurants, and catering companies in Oman, and converts it into biodiesel which is a direct alternative to diesel fuel.