ADNOC Taps AI to Overcome Iran War Oil Export Challenges
ADNOC, the UAE's state-run oil giant, is leveraging its extensive use of AI to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing Iran war. The conflict initially reduced UAE oil exports by roughly two-thirds, from about 5.1 million barrels per day before the conflict to just 1.9 million bpd in March.
However, ADNOC has been able to recover significantly using AI-driven solutions. By mid-September, UAE crude exports had recovered to 3.236 million bpd, up from 2.886 million bpd in August and 2.871 million bpd in July, according to Kpler data cited by Reuters.
ADNOC has pushed crude through the Habshan Fujairah pipeline, expanded its tanker operations, and used ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman to keep crude moving outside Hormuz. Additionally, it has become a major buyer of discounted Iraqi crude, processing much of it at Ruwais while freeing more UAE crude for export.
AIQ's technology, which is feeding ADNOC real-time information across drilling, production, and facilities, has proven crucial in this situation. AIQ CEO Dennis Jol stated that the system can automatically adjust producing wells, predict failures in critical equipment, and analyze reservoir conditions.
The company had already developed roughly 200 AI use cases at ADNOC before the war, including predictive maintenance, safety applications, subsurface modeling, and systems capable of automatically shutting down equipment to prevent accidents. The AIQ's RoboWell system has been deployed across more than 500 wells, increasing production by 5% while reducing well interventions by as much as 50%.
AI is also being used to detect equipment problems before they hinder production. Neuron 5 continuously analyzes pressure, temperature, and vibration data from compressors, valves, generators, and other machinery to predict maintenance requirements. ADNOC's initial deployment covered hundreds of pieces of equipment at its Northeast Bab field and Taweelah gas compression plant.
AIQ is now testing its technology in international markets, targeting countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the North Sea. The company has made its first hire in the UK and is considering expansion into Houston.