Integrated Global Services (IGS), a global leader in surface protection and asset optimisation, has released new research revealing that a growing share of oil and gas infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the UAE is operating beyond its intended design life, driving increased focus on performance, reliability and efficiency.
The survey of oil and
gas leaders and operators found that nearly half (46 per cent) estimate 10-50
per cent of their assets are operating beyond their original design life, while
14 per cent report this applies to more than half of their infrastructure.
Despite these
challenges, confidence in existing infrastructure remains high.
More than four in five
(83 per cent) respondents said they are either somewhat or very confident in
their assets’ ability to meet future demand, highlighting a clear gap between
confidence and operational reality.
Around 65 per cent of
respondents reported significant production or throughput losses due to
unplanned downtime, underlining the operational risks associated with ageing
assets.
As a result, operators
are placing greater emphasis on maximising the performance of existing
infrastructure.
Interest in advanced
asset integrity and protection solutions is growing, particularly where there
is clear commercial value.
More than
three-quarters (77 per cent) of respondents said such solutions are viable if
payback is achieved within five years.
“This reflects a clear
shift in focus across the region,” said Dennis Snijders, Director Middle East
and North Africa, IGS. “Operators are under increasing pressure to maximise the
performance of existing assets. While greenfield projects attract attention,
brownfield optimisation is just as critical to meeting future energy demand.
The challenge is turning confidence in existing infrastructure into consistent,
reliable performance.”
The findings also
highlight the growing tension between decarbonisation goals and cost pressures.
While emissions
reduction remains a priority, respondents identified investment constraints as
the primary barrier, underscoring the need to balance sustainability ambitions
with operational and financial realities.
Snijders added: “Saudi
Arabia and the UAE operate some of the most advanced oil and gas facilities in
the world. As these assets mature and operational demands increase, maintaining
reliability while managing cost and emissions becomes more complex. Treating
asset integrity as a strategic priority will be critical to sustaining
long-term performance.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service
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