The largest oil fields in the world in 2024

    Oil fields are among the most valuable and strategically important natural resources on the planet. They are vast reservoirs of crude oil that can be extracted and refined into various petroleum products, fueling industries, transportation, and economies globally. The discovery and development of these oil fields are critical to ensuring a stable supply of energy. Here, we highlight some of the largest and most productive oil fields in the world as of 2024.

 

1. Ghawar Field


Location: Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Operator: Saudi Aramco
Production Timeline: 1951 — Present


The Ghawar Field remains the world’s largest conventional oil field, with an estimated original oil in place (OOIP) of over 100 billion barrels. Operated by Saudi Aramco, this supergiant oil field has been a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s oil production since its discovery in 1948. Advanced recovery techniques and continuous investment in infrastructure have enabled Ghawar to maintain significant production levels, making it a critical asset for the global oil market.

 

2. Permian Basin


Location: Texas and New Mexico, USA
Operator: Various, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips
Production Timeline: 1920s — Present


The Permian Basin is one of the most prolific oil fields in the United States, known for its substantial unconventional oil reserves. Covering approximately 250,000 square miles, it spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. The basin has experienced a renaissance in recent years, thanks to advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Multiple operators are tapping into its rich reserves, making it a key contributor to the US oil output.

 

3. Burgan Field


Location: Southeastern Kuwait
Operator: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
Production Timeline: 1938 — Present


The Burgan Field is the world’s second-largest conventional oil field, located in southeastern Kuwait. Discovered in 1938, it has an estimated OOIP of around 70 billion barrels. The Kuwait Oil Company manages this supergiant field, which continues to be a major source of the country’s oil production. Burgan’s long-term production has been sustained through enhanced oil recovery techniques and strategic management.

 

4. Safaniya Field


Location: Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia
Operator: Saudi Aramco
Production Timeline: 1951 — Present


The Safaniya Field, the largest offshore oil field in the world, is located in the Persian Gulf. Operated by Saudi Aramco, this field was discovered in 1951 and has an estimated OOIP of over 37 billion barrels. The field’s offshore location presents unique operational challenges, but technological advancements have enabled efficient extraction, making it a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s oil production capabilities.

 

5. Kashagan Field


Location: Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan
Operator: North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC)
Production Timeline: 2000 — Present


The Kashagan Field, located in the northern part of the Caspian Sea, is one of the largest oil discoveries of the past few decades. With an estimated OOIP of 38 billion barrels, it is operated by the North Caspian Operating Company, a consortium of major international oil companies. Despite facing numerous technical and environmental challenges, Kashagan has ramped up production, contributing significantly to Kazakhstan’s oil output.

 

6. Orinoco Belt


Location: Venezuela
Operator: PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.)
Production Timeline: 1930s — Present


The Orinoco Belt in Venezuela is one of the world’s largest deposits of extra-heavy crude oil. Spanning approximately 55,000 square kilometers, it holds an estimated OOIP of over 1.2 trillion barrels. The state-owned company PDVSA oversees operations in this region. Despite economic and political challenges, the Orinoco Belt remains a critical asset for Venezuela’s oil industry.

 

7. Prudhoe Bay


Location: North Slope, Alaska, USA
Operator: BP, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips
Production Timeline: 1968 — Present


Prudhoe Bay is the largest oil field in North America, located on Alaska’s North Slope. Discovered in 1968, it has an estimated OOIP of around 25 billion barrels. The field’s harsh Arctic environment poses significant operational challenges, but advancements in technology and infrastructure have allowed for continued production. Prudhoe Bay has been a major source of crude oil for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System.

 

8. Bosi Field


Location: Offshore Nigeria
Operator: Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO)
Production Timeline: 1990s — Present


The Bosi Field is one of Nigeria’s largest offshore oil fields, located in the Gulf of Guinea. Operated by Shell, it has an estimated OOIP of around 3 billion barrels. Offshore production in this region requires sophisticated technology and substantial investment. The Bosi Field is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s oil exports and economic development.

 

 

    These oil fields represent the backbone of the global oil industry, each playing a pivotal role in ensuring a steady supply of energy to meet global demands. The scale and complexity of operations at these fields underscore the importance of skilled professionals in the heavy industry sector.

As the demand for energy continues to rise, the need for experienced and qualified personnel becomes even more critical. 

    TEK Talent specializes in recruiting top talent for the heavy industry sector, providing companies with the expertise needed to navigate the challenges of modern oil production and other industrial operations. Our global reach and industry-specific knowledge ensure that we can connect employers with the best candidates to drive their success in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

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