DNO ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas operator, have announced a suspension of production in Yemen as violence continues to rock the Middle Eastern country.
The news comes just a day after French giant Total evacuated all expatriate staff from Saana and Kharir in the country.
The oil major said its operations on Yemen’s Block 10 have also been reduced , with gas production maintained only for local power generation and supply to nearby communities.
It comes after disruption in the region following an overnight military raid by Saudi-led forces against Houthi forces.
A spokeswoman said: “All necessary measures are in place in order to ensure maximum security conditions for the people remaining.”
“As a shareholder of YLNG (Yemen LNG), we know that the staff number on site (local and expatriate) has been reduced to the minimum necessary and the security measures continue to be maintained at maximum level. “
The plant in Balhaf lies about 400 kilometers east along the coast from Aden.
Prior to the most recent suspension by DNO ASA, combined production from Block 32 and Block 43 averaged 1,950 barrels of oil per day (bopd) on a gross basis and 950 bopd on a company working interest (CWI) basis.
The company continues to monitor the situation closely and has initiated plans to secure its facilities and remove non-essential staff. All expatriates were previously relocated to Dubai.