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Kuwait has announced one of its most significant offshore energy discoveries in years, as the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) confirmed the finding of a large-scale oil and gas field in the Al-Noukhitha area, east of Failaka Island in the Persian Gulf.
According to the official statement, the new field’s total hydrocarbon reserves are estimated at approximately 3.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including light oil and natural gas. This discovery holds strategic importance as Kuwait aims to expand its offshore production capacity and diversify energy sources to meet global demand and ensure long-term energy security.
The Al-Noukhitha field spans an initial area of about 96 square kilometers. The first exploratory well, Noukhitha-1, yielded preliminary production rates of around 2,800 barrels of light oil per day, along with 7 million cubic meters of associated gas. These results have been positively received by experts, indicating the area’s strong commercial potential due to its favorable geological structure.
Preliminary estimates from KOC suggest that a primary geological layer within the field could hold approximately 2.1 billion barrels of light oil and 144 billion cubic meters of natural gas. When converted to international standards, this equates to roughly 3.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, making Al-Noukhitha one of Kuwait’s largest offshore discoveries to date.
This discovery is the culmination of years of offshore seismic surveys and geological research. KOC noted that the current exploration project is built upon 2D seismic surveys conducted in Kuwait’s territorial waters, combined with geophysical and geological analyses to clarify rock layer structures, identify optimal drilling locations, and ensure safe, efficient drilling and logistical operations.
According to KOC, Kuwait’s offshore area constitutes approximately one-third of its total territory, covering over 6,000 square kilometers. However, this region remains underdeveloped compared to onshore oil fields, which have been operational for decades. Expanding exploration efforts offshore is seen as a strategic move to sustain long-term production levels and add new reserves for this leading Middle Eastern oil exporter.
The current exploration phase at Al-Noukhitha includes the drilling of six initial wells. Subsequent phases will be determined based on the technical and commercial results from these wells. If outcomes remain positive, Kuwait could proceed with industrial-scale field development in the coming years.
Amid the global energy transition toward cleaner sources, large-scale oil and gas discoveries remain crucial for exporting nations like Kuwait. Adding an offshore field with reserves in the billions of barrels strengthens the country’s position as a key oil supplier in the Middle East and global markets.
Kuwait has long been Vietnam’s largest supplier of crude oil. The nation began exporting crude oil in 1946 and is a founding member of OPEC. Kuwait ranks as OPEC’s fifth-largest producer, with proven oil reserves of 101.5 billion barrels.
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