Pakistan has launched a strange plan(at least for us) to build an artificial island in the middle of the Arabian Sea. The reason is to boost oil and gas exploration in this area, and the initiative is led by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), responds to a rising demand for oil and to the growing international interest (especially from the United States) in the country’s energy reserves.
The island has been placed about 30 kilometers from the coast of Sindh, and it will serve as a stable base to drill up to 25 wells, preventing tides and waves from affecting the work of the teams, of course, because it is one of the main things to take into account.
This strategic move seeks to transform Pakistan’s energy matrix by using a model already tested in Abu Dhabi. Will they manage to become a relevant power in this market?
To withstand tides and…
The project, as explained by Arshad Palekar, director of R&D at PPL, consists of a platform raised six feet above sea level, enough to avoid interruptions caused by high tides and to guarantee continuous operations.
The strategic location of the island, off the southern coast of Sindh, near Sujawal, will allow authorized companies to work on stable and safe ground, optimizing drilling times and reducing logistical costs.
Inspiration in Middle Eastern models
The initiative does not come out of nowhere. Abu Dhabi, one of the energy giants of the Gulf, has already used artificial islands successfully for oil drilling, managing to increase its production and reduce operational risks.
Pakistan seeks to replicate this model to take advantage of offshore reserves that are still little explored.
The U.S. enters the scene growing interest in Pakistan’s reserves
The project is being developed in parallel with an unexpected reactivation of the interest of the United States in Pakistani oil.
According to the U.S. Embassy, the country’s energy sector is now a strategic priority for Washington, aligned with the economic vision recently promoted by the Trump administration.
During a meeting in August between Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Natalie A. Baker, plans were strengthened to establish direct links between companies of both countries.
“There is a strong and growing interest from U.S. companies in the oil, gas and mineral sector of Pakistan.”
This rapprochement represents an unprecedented financial and technological opportunity for the Asian country.
Permits and companies involved: a state bet on the sea
To maximize the exploitation of these reserves, the government has granted offshore licenses to several national companies. Among them are:
- Pakistan Petroleum (PPL)
- Mari Energies
- Prime International Oil and Gas
All of them will be directly involved in the exploration and operation of wells around the new artificial island.
Economic impact: what this island could mean for Pakistan
The construction of an artificial island for drilling is not only a technological bet, but a key economic move. This project could:
- Reduce the country’s energy bill.
- Attract more foreign investment.
- Generate highly specialized jobs.
- Position Pakistan as a new competitor in offshore reserves in South Asia.
In addition, the active participation of the United States could speed up the arrival of capital, advanced machinery and strategic cooperation agreements.
Pakistan heads to the sea to secure its energy future
The project to build an artificial oil island marks a before and after in Pakistan’s energy strategy. With demand skyrocketing, international interest increasing and an urgent need to strengthen its self-sufficiency, Pakistan is betting on a pioneering infrastructure capable of transforming its oil industry.
The coming weeks will be decisive, in February, an exploration process will begin that could open a new era for the country and reshape the energy map in Asia.