Kuwait Oil Company’s 90th anniversary: Generations of leadership and excellence

This year, KOC proudly celebrates its 90th anniversary. Over nine decades, it has reached numerous milestones, establishing itself at the forefront of the global oil and gas industry, a position it has sustained across generations. The Company has consistently harnessed its resources, expertise, and capabilities to serve Kuwait and enhance the well-being of its community.

This article highlights the most significant milestones in KOC’s storied history.

The beginning and the first steps

KOC’s journey began on December 23, 1934, when Kuwait Oil Company Limited was granted a concession to explore oil in Kuwait. The Company was founded by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, now known as BP, and the American Gulf Oil Company, Chevron.

Just a year later, employees drilled the first exploratory well in Bahra. In 1938, oil was discovered in the Greater Burgan field, which remains the world’s second-largest oil field. Between 1938 and 1942, eight additional wells were drilled in the same field.

 Exportation: A historic milestone

On July 30, 1946, KOC exported its first shipment of crude oil, marking a transformative moment in Kuwait’s history. This milestone ushered in an era of rapid progress, as oil revenues elevated Kuwait to a leading position among oil-producing nations.

In the years that followed, the country expanded its infrastructure and witnessed significant advancements in civil and architectural development.

Significant expansion

After establishing its administrative base in Ahmadi City, KOC expanded its operations while fostering social cohesion and cultural development as part of its corporate responsibility.

In 1956, KOC established an exhibition to showcase its history and operations to the public. Two years later, the Hubara Center was opened to serve its employees.

The exhibition remained pivotal for decades, educating the public about the oil and gas industry and hosting notable visitors, including kings, princes, presidents, and political leaders.

Advanced health services

On April 27, 1960, KOC opened Ahmadi Hospital, offering top-quality healthcare services to its employees and their families. The facility was built to the highest standards of the time and later expanded to serve employees across the oil sector, as well as residents of Ahmadi and nearby areas.

100% Kuwaiti ownership

In 1974, 60% of KOC’s operations were transferred to Kuwait under the Participation Agreement signed by the Kuwaiti National Assembly. A year later, in March 1975, the Company was fully nationalized, marking a new era of national pride and progress.

The invasion: destruction and restoration

KOC faced immense challenges during the Iraqi invasion of August 2, 1990, as its operations were forced to cease. However, the Company’s workforce demonstrated unwavering resilience, safeguarding Kuwait’s oil wealth and infrastructure to the extent possible.

Following liberation, KOC led a massive recovery effort after the environmental disaster caused by the destruction of 727 oil wells in February 1991. This global effort involved 27 international firefighting teams working alongside a distinguished Kuwaiti team to extinguish the fires. Despite extensive damage, KOC achieved remarkable restoration results in record time.

Environmental leadership

Since its inception, KOC has prioritized environmental stewardship. It integrates environmental compliance into every project and has launched numerous initiatives to preserve Kuwait’s natural heritage.

Between 2004 and 2016, KOC established seven environmental reserves and natural oases, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

A journey of continuous development

The years 2016 and 2017 marked a period of transformational achievements for KOC.

On October 17, 2016, the Ahmed Al-Jaber Oil & Gas Exhibition was inaugurated, offering a unique and innovative educational experience, and establishing itself as a distinctive cultural landmark. Days later, the Sidra 500 Solar Energy Project began operations. This initiative was a regional first in renewable energy within the oil sector, producing 10 megawatts of electricity and contributing to sustainable oil production from the Umm Qadir field.

KWIDF: Kuwait Integrated Digital Field

The Kuwait Integrated Digital Field (KWIDF) project links all KOC oil fields and reservoirs via an advanced software system, enabling real-time monitoring and centralized well management. This system enhances efficiency by detecting potential defects and optimizing production.

Launched in 2003, KWIDF underwent extensive development, including workshops, pilot projects, and expansions. The KWIDF Center in Ahmadi was inaugurated in 2012, and the project achieved full-scale implementation by 2017.

Light oil

In July 2018, KOC began exporting high-quality light oil, a significant milestone for Kuwait’s economy. Renowned for its low sulfur content, Kuwaiti light oil meets high global demand and generates substantial revenues.

KOC’s journey to light oil production began with discoveries in the Sabriya Field in 2005 and the Jurassic reservoirs in North Kuwait. By 2018, KOC had commissioned additional facilities, increasing production to 500 MMSCFD of free gas and 180,000 BOPD of light oil.

Heavy oil

The Heavy Oil Project commenced in 2019, following the completion of the Central Production Facility. By May 2020, production reached 38,000 barrels per day, with a projected peak of 75,000 barrels per day by September 2020.

Offshore exploration

For decades, KOC’s operations were confined to onshore fields. However, on July 1, 2019, the Company launched its first offshore drilling project in collaboration with Halliburton. On July 14, 2024, the project yielded its first oil discovery in the Al-Nokhatha offshore field, opening a new chapter in KOC’s history.

Innovation for a sustainable tomorrow

In March 2022, KOC launched the Hubara Innovation Center in collaboration with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity. This first-of-its-kind initiative in the oil sector aims to foster technological awareness and support young innovators in achieving their aspirations.