London: Saudi Aramco, the world's largest state-owned oil company, has boosted exploration in the Red Sea, seeking deepwater reserves away from its historical focus in the east of the nation, according to its area exploration manager.
"We are at the highest level of exploration operation ever, covering more territory than ever," Ali Al Hauwaj told Dimensions, the firm's in-house magazine.
"Some of the areas Saudi Aramco is now exploring are vastly different geologically from the traditional exploration areas in the kingdom."
Aramco is seeking reserves in anticipation of global economic growth and increasing demand for oil. The Red Sea is two kilometres deep in places with a 7,000-foot thick salt sequence which can distort seismic images, according to the magazine.
"In fact, exploring the Red Sea is just like going to another country," Al Hauwaj said.
