Profile
Harith Al-Suleimany has been the Executive Director at Seven Seas Petroleum since 2011.
We take pride in the fact that our Omani company now offers solutions across MENA, the Americas, and Asia while developing our own in-house electrolyzer capable of producing green hydrogen.
Harith Al-Suleimany
You have over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, and you have been with Seven Seas Petroleum since 2011. Could you please review how expertise in technology and sustainable innovation is contributing to the growth of Seven Seas Petroleum in Oman and the region?
Harith Al-Suleimany: Seven Seas Petroleum was established over two decades ago as a trading company, collaborating with leading international OEMs to supply solutions and services to the oil and gas industry in Oman. Our primary focus has always been on delivering high-quality solutions and services to create value for our customers, partners, and employees.
As the company grew, almost ten years after its inception, the board decided to reinvest in the company and we expanded into two verticals to diversify our offerings. The first vertical, called Intaj, focuses on well services and exploration production. Under this, we provide well-coiled tubing services and are part of a concession in block 56. The second vertical is manufacturing, and in 2009, we established Delta Controls, a company based in the UAE, specializing in system integration. In 2018, we acquired Versa Tech, an American company based in Jebel Ali, Dubai, which specializes in manufacturing derivatives of wellhead control panels, chemical injection skids, hips systems, and ESD systems.
We leverage our expertise in technology to grow and we have transformed from a trading company into an integrated oil services and solutions provider across the region. We take pride in the fact that our Omani company now offers solutions across the Middle East, North Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Our achievements have been significant, and we are committed to continuing our growth trajectory.
How do you envision Seven Seas Petroleum adding value to the local and regional economy while sustaining growth and fostering strong partnerships with customers and employees?
Harith Al-Suleimany: Our vision for sustaining growth centers around becoming a robust technology company, owning our own intellectual property (IP), and integrating our solutions with those of our partners. By doing so, we aim to provide turnkey solutions to end users and operators not only in Oman and the region but also on a global scale. While we already have a strong presence as a regional player, our ambition is to expand further in the realm of technology and offer end users enticing financial models along with our turnkey solutions.
Would you say that technology is currently the main focus of your company’s operations?
Harith Al-Suleimany: Absolutely. Technology plays a pivotal role in everything we do. Our offerings revolve around technologies that save time, enhance safety, provide environmental benefits, and reduce costs for operators and users. When evaluating technologies, we carefully assess how well they address these four key areas and whether they align with the latest global environmental policies, such as those set by COP 27. In fact, we take pride in developing our own in-house electrolyzer capable of producing green hydrogen. This achievement holds special significance for me, given my background in sustainable energy. It’s truly a project that is close to my heart.
We take pride in developing our own in-house electrolyzer capable of producing green hydrogen
Harith Al-Suleimany
Can you share your plans for expanding your services to other countries? What sets you apart from the competition in this crowded marketplace?
Harith Al-Suleimany: We are an integrated solution and service provider that caters to the oil and gas and energy industry which makes us stand out. It gives us significant leverage as we are well-connected with key stakeholders like EPCs, NOCs, IOCs, and consultants in the region. Our extensive networking and established relationships with all the key stakeholders serve as valuable references in our work.
Regarding expansion plans, we are placing a strong focus on technology. Additionally, we find the Saudi market particularly intriguing and have included it in our growth strategy. We are currently seeking partners who can collaborate with us in achieving our objectives of expanding into the Saudi market.
Can you elaborate on how your partnership with John Crane, particularly the MacInnes Mechanical Steel Services Center, aligns with Seven Seas Petroleum’s commitment to enhancing local services capability, promoting Omani engineering technology skills, and creating more job opportunities for Omanis?
Harith Al-Suleimany: Our relationship with John Crane is a very interesting one. It began as a pure agent relationship nearly 17 years ago, and it has evolved into a joint venture. This transformation was made possible by addressing the key issues of end-users and focusing on in-country value. We set out to provide a unique type of service previously unavailable in Oman, securing strategic contracts along the way. Before mechanical seals were maintained outside Oman, mainly in the UAE or UK, but now we handle them locally, offering a turnkey solution and exceptional service.
Moreover, we recently completed a triple expansion of our mechanical seal service centre, equipping it with state-of-the-art 3D machinery. This cutting-edge technology is unparalleled in the region. We take great pride in being the sole mechanical seal service company in the GCC with such advanced equipment. Notably, John Crane has only one other 3D machinery, located at their headquarters in the UK. Our commitment to in-country value is not limited to personnel but extends to facilities and knowledge transfer. This was done through a very strategic joint venture relationship.
We take great pride in being the sole mechanical seal service company in the GCC with such advanced equipment
Harith Al-Suleimany
You mentioned a focus on growing within the GCC region, with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia. Could you provide more details about your plans for this expansion?
Harith Al-Suleimany: We have built a good amount of competencies, knowledge, and expertise and we are eager to explore new markets where we have not yet ventured. Saudi Arabia stands out as a promising opportunity for us, considering its specific regulations governing local contracts and RFCs (Request for Contracts). To participate in these opportunities, a certain level of investment and in-country value is required.
Drawing from the success we have achieved in other parts of the region, we intend to replicate that accomplishment in Saudi Arabia. We have a strong foundation of knowledge, resources, and expertise that we aim to leverage in this endeavour. Our goal is to consolidate our experiences and adapt them to suit the Saudi market. In order to make this expansion successful, we are actively seeking the right partner to join us on this journey.
Lastly, what is your vision for the company in the next ten years?
Harith Al-Suleimany: Our goal is crystal clear – we aim to become a technology-driven company with our own intellectual property (IP). We envision expanding our presence globally, not just regionally. That is the direction we are headed!