Rak Petroleum says initial flow rates are 10,000 barrels a day (b/d) of oil and 30 million cubic feet a day (cf/d) of associated gas from two production wells located 25 kilometres from the Musandam peninsula.

West Bukha was first discovered in 1976 but was believed to be a gas condensate field and abandoned as non-commercial.

Image gallery: West Bukha field

Rak Petroleum says drilling of appraisal wells between 2006 and 2008 showed new potential from the Mishriff-Maudud and Thamama reservoirs, leading to the development of the field.

Output from the West Bukha field and an associated gas condensate field is transported through a 16-inch, 33-kilometre flow line for processing at the Khor Khwair plant in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Rak Petroleum expects to export oil and condensate, while gas will be delivered to industrial and commercial users in the emirate.

The company expects to recover its share of the $250m investment in West Bukha within 30 months of production starting.

Rak Petroleum is the operator of Block 8 with a 40 per cent interest, with Korea’s LG International Corporation holding a 50 per cent share and UK-listed Heritage Oil the remaining 10 per cent.