Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Thread Started on Apr 29, 2006, 9:28pm »
Hey,
I will soon starting to work in Hassi Messaoud, Algeria for Schlumberger. 6 weeks on 3 weeks off. Anyone who has any experience with this area? And any experience whit Schlumberger in this area, hoe they treat there employees?
As you may know Algeria, the second largest country in Africa with a population of around 30 million is about the size of Alaska, Texas & Oklahoma combined. Nearly all of its people live north of the Atlas Mountain range along the Mediterranean coast line because the Sahara desert covers four-fifths of the country.
After the French gave Algeria independence in 1962 the country has been torn by unrest, riots and eventually civil war between the government / military and Islamics. More than 100,000 rebels, soldiers and civilians have died in Algeria's civil war, which began in 1992 following the coup that nullified the national election won by the Islamic Salvation Party. In fact I was told by one wireline operator in 1998 that Schlumberger evacuated all its field personnel after rebels attacked a rig site and cut the head off one of their staff. On July 13, 1999, President Bouteflika offered amnesty to rebel groups, and a national referendum subsequently approved the offer. Parliamentary elections were held in May 2002, resulting in a strong showing for the president's party, the FLN. Algeria's political and security situation has significantly improved over the past decade. International observers verified that Bouteflika's 2004 re-election, in which he won a landslide victory, was largely free and fair.
Although oil was first discovered onshore in 1913(?), Hassi Massoud’s giant oil field was found in 1956. It is the largest oil field in Algeria, located in the center of the country and, for example, produced about 350,000 bbl/d of 46° API crude in 2004, Oil assets were nationalized in 1962 and Sonatrach the national oil company was established in 1968. Algeria joined OPEC in 1968 and the country was re-opened to foreign oil exploration in 1995 through partnerships with Sonatrach. In the third quarter of 2004, foreign companies controlled some 44% of Algeria's crude oil production. By February 2005 a late 2001 proposal was approved as a hydrocarbon bill to allow foreign operators to act independently of Sonatrach, and possibly allow privatization of Sonatrach or its subsidiaries.
Up to March 2005 foreign companies active in the country included
- Anadarko the largest foreign oil company which operates the Hassi Berkine South (300,000 bb/d) and Ourhound (230,000 bbl/d) fields in eastern Algeria. Anadarko is developing seven new oil and gas fields in Block 208 of the Berkine Basin that are expected to flow in 2007 and a farm-in to reintroduce Kufpec was signed in 2002.
- BHP-Billiton which operates the Rhourde Oulad Djemma (ROD) project in eastern Algeria, a series of six satellite fields that should produce 80,000 bbl/d once fully on-stream.
- Amerada Hess which operates the Gassi el Agreb/Zotti field since 2000, with annual production of 40,000 bbl/d.
-Burlington Resources and Talisman (with Sonatrach) who announced development of the MLN (Menzel Ledjmat North) field in Block 405a. MLN should produce around 35,000-40,000 bbl/d when completed, with initial output of 14,000 bbl/d.
- Cepsa (2003 - Ourhoud, Rhourde El Krouf), Total (2003) and Agip (Bir Rebaa).
- BP previously ARCO who, in February 1996, signed a $1.3 billion partnership with Sonatrach to increase production at Rhourde El Baguel. The Rhourde El Baguel field is Algeria's second-largest, containing about three billion barrels of proven oil reserves, but the field has produced less than 450 million barrels since 1963.
- Petrobras which signed a deal with Sonatrach in September 2003, to explore for oil.
and
- China's CNPC reached a similar agreement in December 2003
Petroceltic (Ireland), Repsol-YPF (Spain), Sinopec (China), and Statoil (Norway) entered Algeria in the fifth licensing round in 2004.
A “rigs in Algeria” photo from a mate that worked there not so long ago:
http://www.drillers.com/dayrates.country.cfm Quote Conditions are good with direct flights from Gatwick (BP & Anadarko) and Stansted (Anadarko) straight into Hassi Massoud. Service companies fly also on the BP flight and also from Paris with an Algerian charter. Not too much hassle by customs in Hassi. In-field flights by Zimex, a Swiss outfit. Camps are good and security is seems to be fairly tight against terrorists. The remote desert locations makes the rigs an unlikely target for terrorists , what with all the military around. Not a bad place to work after all. Unquote
In Rourde El Baguel, about 180 miles south of Algiers in the Exclusionary Zone and on the southern edge of Hassi Massoud, a new field discovered in February 2004 …..you will probably still find the rolls of razor wires on the outer and inner perimeter walls, the military checkpoints, the rules against being on foot outside of the camp, the young guys patrolling with Uzis. Or …..the emotional atmosphere, how everyone is pleasant but not really friendly, how even the bomb-sniffing dogs, barred from being petted or even spoken to by anyone but their trainers, seem lonely….. By Algerian law, expats cannot travel over land unescorted (anti-kidnapping measure) but military escorts were suspended during elections
Joined: Mar 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 1,432 Location: Brisbane,Queensland,Australia
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #2 on May 2, 2006, 3:13am »
Dear Members & Visitors:
Thanks a lot for your supplementary answer regarding Hassi Messaoud, Algeria. I was wondering if you know anything more about the life inside the camp? How is the accommodation (single, dobbel room, bathroom facilities,etc)? What about the food? Is there any possibility for “after duty” activities inside the camp? How is the communication with the world outside, phone, internet, etc?
Best regards Terjeal
xxxx
Dear Terjeal,
I have sent a copy of your message to the guy that supplied the rig photo. Hopefully he will respond.
As it happens I was offered a job by Sonatrach and almost joined the company in 1992. Swiss Francs payable in Geneva at the time. I wrote to Sonatrch in English and all responses were in French.
However I caught a CNN new bulletin just as, it turned out, I was landing in Luanda, Angola for the last time. It showed a rocket going thru the window of a hotel in Algiers from the sights of the launcher and I subsequently had to 'chicken out' under family pressure not to go into a war zone.
Afterwards on heresay AWACS were apparently flying to help protect the Anadarko rig sites....
Algeria is one place I still haven't been to although I am familiar with the Sahara desert in neighbouring Tunisia & Libya. I last heard that internet cafes are now gracing city streets in Libya so I see no reason why Algiers should be any different.........
Be prepared to have fine sand in everything you use! Best regards, RAD.
Joined: Mar 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 1,432 Location: Brisbane,Queensland,Australia
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #3 on May 3, 2006, 11:07am »
Dear Terjeal:
My friend replied today and his recollections of Algeria are as follows:
You need to fill out an Immigration and Customs form which should be given to you at the airport prior to departure. The forms will be in French. On the customs form make sure that you list ALL your electronic equipment (i.e. laptops, cameras, radios etc) that you are bringing in and make sure you have them when you leave. There will be two duplicate forms. Fill them both in with the same list of items.You will hand in one. The other will be stamped and given back to you. DO NOT LOSE THE CUSTOMS FORM GIVEN BACK TO YOU! The customs wallahs will check this out.
There should be someone to meet you at the other end with temporary paperwork and some uniformed official will walk around calling out your name and no doubt mispronouncing it. Listen out.
On your second trip in, you will have to go down to the local police or immigration office for fingerprinting.
Always carry lots of passport size photos with you.
I believe Schlumberger will have their own “camp” complete with staff house and dining.
It is rare for service companies and oil companies to allow their people to wander around Hassi Messaoud (HM) during the day and definitely not at night!
HM is an oil town, pure and simple.
One of the main Schlumberger bases is at In Salah near the Libyan border. This serves BHP, Anadarko, Burlington amongst others. Schlumberger have a big camp and work shop there. There may be other camps in different areas.
It is extremely hot in summers especially if you are working in the sand dune area where Anadarko and Burlington operate. BHP have a flat, stony area.
You will fly in and out on small fixed wing aircraft.
Leaving HM can be a pain as there are about 7 security checks including a final body search at the steps leading up to the aircraft.
Joined: Mar 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 1,432 Location: Brisbane,Queensland,Australia
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #4 on May 3, 2006, 4:09pm »
Dear Terjeal & Desert Rats:
I noticed that a possible alternative presentation at the upcoming IADC World Drilling Conference in late June is:
Drilling Underbalanced in Hassi Messaoud
James Chopty, Weatherford, A. Bencheikh, Sonatrach, D.D. Moore, Signa Engineering Corp
The Hassi Messaoud field, discovered in 1956, is the largest oilfield in Algeria, covering about 2000 sq km and currently including over 1,000 wells.
Production is from a thick, Cambrian age sandstone, at a vertical depth of approximately 3,400 m. This sandstone is extremely hard, abrasive, and slow to drill.
Rock Doctor - RAD Q&A - Is the reservoir a lateral facies equivalent of the Gargaf Formation in Libya ?
Sonatrach introduced Underbalanced Drilling (UBD), primarily to improve penetration rates, though the possibility of other UBD benefits, such as improved production characteristics, was also acknowledged.
Several factors requiring special consideration were addressed, from candidate selection to equipment and procedures.
The combination of depth and required bottomhole circulating pressure approach the limits of what is achievable with concentric gas injection, the only locally available UBD technology.
I've been offered a job out of Hassi Messaoud, Algeria and I'm looking for the latest advice. Just thought I'd ask if the current noise in Lebanon has got any of the locals noses out of joint? Any info on living, working, drilling conditions and don't leave home withouts, would also be greatly appreciated.
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #6 on Aug 12, 2006, 8:15am »
Hi,
I 'm Algerian and I work at Hassi Messouad. The population here is mainly concerned with there jobs, though they are against the massacre there in Lebanon (and as every human being should). No security problems. The only thing is the heat, it reaches 54 C sometimes. It's better to protect yourself and have enough water reserve wherever you move. And, if your skin is sensitive better to have a sunscreen/sun blocker.
I 'm Algerian and I work at Hassi Messouad. The population here is mainly concerned with there jobs, though they are against the massacre there in Lebanon (and as every human being should). No security problems. The only thing is the heat, it reaches 54 C sometimes. It's better to protect yourself and have enough water reserve wherever you move. And, if your skin is sensitive better to have a sunscreen/sun blocker.
For further details don't hesitate to contact me.
Good luck
Rigmaster
Hi,
Just wondering if this board is still active, and if anyone might have some more current info about camp conditions in Hassi Messaoud?
Joined: Mar 2003 Gender: Male Posts: 2,652 Location: England/Singapore
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #11 on Feb 15, 2009, 9:21am »
The reply to your previous post, thees board are always active. the in activity stems from the people reading the posts.
Some of the issues/posts lie dormant for months sometimes years before someone find them and puts an answer to the post but they nearly alway get an answer
I'm currently working in Hassi for a large service co and can lay out a bit of what to expect if you decide to come here. As with most people here, i work a 28-28 rotation. The "city" of Hassi itself really doesnt offer much in terms of activities, shops, restaurants etc and (depending on your company policy), expats are forbidden from going into town. I am largely office based now, although still do occasional field work. This means that I am often driving around and through Hassi to other compounds/bases which offers very little risk due to police checkpoints and military presence. If you are required to go to the field, you will be driven by military escort and work sites are all secured by the military(i'm sure its a lucrative venture!)
Getting to/from Hassi is via Paris, London, or Madrid on a charter flight.
As far a life in the base goes, all i can say is that "it is what it is" Rooms are generally comfortable but simple. Single room with a few channels of satellite TV to watch movies, news, and lots of football, fridge, locked closet so you can leave most of your clothes etc and travel light. Bathroom with toilet, vanity, and shower...all pretty basic but more than adequate. Daily maid service keeps things clean, and laundry service as well. I would not recommend bringing your "sunday's best" as wear and tear from laundry service is pretty severe!
Each base has their own version of a restaurant/cafeteria and quality of food varies greatly. Unfortunately our contracted caterers love to turn up the fryers and get to work! You can always get 3 squares/day but many people will bring their favorite foods from home when they feel like something different. Our company does a customer BBQ every second friday so a good steak and some cold beer is a welcome change.
There are also small "bars" on each base where you can go at night to watch the game, shoot some pool, and have a beer or two.
Leisure facilities vary, from very basic and simple weight rooms to swimming pools and modern workout rooms.
To sum up, working in Hassi is just that. People come here to work, make some money, and enjoy the 4 weeks off at a time once the hitch is up.
Don't hesitate to ask if there is anything else you'd like to know.
i have joined this club just today. did any one work for Saipem in hassi massoud before? does anybody have an idea about camps, living, working conditions?
I worked in Algeria for 6 years - initially with Hess then BP in El Agreb & El Bhorma then with BP in Rhourde El Baguel. Hess has no drilling activity any more but have some production. They were planning to revisit El Bhorma but that got knocked back for financial reasons. Rhourde El Baguel (REB) is a great camp, no drilling activity and just production. Schlumberger work their people hard - in all departments - from what I recall. Flying from Gatwick to HMD is >3hrs in a charter and the more ofter you go through the HMD customs & immigration the easier it becomes. Do not bring alcohol or porn with you as they do open your bags to do a search when entering at HMD. Entering the country at Algiers is much easier but you won't be doing that too much as all the work is in HMD. Most of the Algerians are pretty good people and just need guidance. I had no problem with them at all. Hope you enjoy it and all the best with your career.
I'm currently working in Hassi for a large service co and can lay out a bit of what to expect if you decide to come here. As with most people here, i work a 28-28 rotation. The "city" of Hassi itself really doesnt offer much in terms of activities, shops, restaurants etc and (depending on your company policy), expats are forbidden from going into town. I am largely office based now, although still do occasional field work. This means that I am often driving around and through Hassi to other compounds/bases which offers very little risk due to police checkpoints and military presence. If you are required to go to the field, you will be driven by military escort and work sites are all secured by the military(i'm sure its a lucrative venture!)
Getting to/from Hassi is via Paris, London, or Madrid on a charter flight.
As far a life in the base goes, all i can say is that "it is what it is" Rooms are generally comfortable but simple. Single room with a few channels of satellite TV to watch movies, news, and lots of football, fridge, locked closet so you can leave most of your clothes etc and travel light. Bathroom with toilet, vanity, and shower...all pretty basic but more than adequate. Daily maid service keeps things clean, and laundry service as well. I would not recommend bringing your "sunday's best" as wear and tear from laundry service is pretty severe!
Each base has their own version of a restaurant/cafeteria and quality of food varies greatly. Unfortunately our contracted caterers love to turn up the fryers and get to work! You can always get 3 squares/day but many people will bring their favorite foods from home when they feel like something different. Our company does a customer BBQ every second friday so a good steak and some cold beer is a welcome change.
There are also small "bars" on each base where you can go at night to watch the game, shoot some pool, and have a beer or two.
Leisure facilities vary, from very basic and simple weight rooms to swimming pools and modern workout rooms.
To sum up, working in Hassi is just that. People come here to work, make some money, and enjoy the 4 weeks off at a time once the hitch is up.
Don't hesitate to ask if there is anything else you'd like to know.
cheers
Hi,
I am about to start working a rotation out of HMD... for a service company as well.. can you email me so I can ask some questions offline... thanks in advance...
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #16 on Dec 7, 2009, 12:21pm »
hi every body I am a new graduate hope if someone can help me to find a job in hassi messaoud...I have diploma science of management option: Finance ..and I am living in hassi messaoud .. thnx
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #18 on Jan 22, 2010, 6:09am »
Gents, I am trying to decide if I should accept a position within my company and start working in Algeria. First and for most, I am concerned for my safety as I know the country’s in the middle of a civil war. With that said, what’s the security like in the bases in and around HM? I will mainly be working in the office with little to no travel to the rig location. I assume it is fairly safe in town. What are the living accommodations like, the food, recreational activities if any? The local language is French correct? Will I have a hard time communicating since I only speak English and Spanish for now? What items would you recommend I bring and leave? How are the flights in and out of HM? Guys please speak candidly. I am American and this will be my first overseas rotation. With that said, I don’t want to find out afterwards that the place is too hard to work only to end up hating my job for 28 days or quitting.
Re: Hassi Messaoud, Algeria « Reply #19 on Jan 31, 2010, 7:28am »
Southernon:
See my previous post about Hassi... As far as safety goes, you really have nothing to worry about. There is no "civil war" as you mentioned...at all! Sure, there are military and police checkpoints wherever you go, but since being here (1 year) i have not experienced even the slighetst feeling of fear or trouble. Depending on which company you work for, the bases vary... a lot! Some are like a mid grade resort with swimming pools, decent bars, tennis courts etc and some are like prison camps with crappy food and even worse curfews. All depends on the company. All in all, the 28-28 rotation is a gift to most people working here. Not only do you get half the year off, but also due to the "security issues" the danger or risk premium is great for the pocket book. When people come here, they work hard every day and earn their keep. Then, when its time to go home they enjoy every minute of no phone calls, emails etc. There are charter flights out of london, paris, and madrid on a regular schedule. It's easy. Highly recommended! If you need further info, PM me and i'll get you up to speed.
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