maari, page-29

From the OMV website:
The Maari oil field, the first OMV operated offshore oil field development, showcased the company's impressive technical skills. The water depth, the distance from the shore and the waxy nature of the oil meant that cost effective production was not possible in the Maari field, New Zealand's largest oil field for 25 years. However, by implementing a new state-of-the-art down-hole heating system, OMV reported "first oil" in early 2009, with over 15 mn bbl of oil produced since then. An additional technological highlight of Maari was that part of the well was drilled with 24-inch diameter casing, the largest drilling-with-casing job in the world.

OMV is New Zealand´s largest liquid hydrocarbon producer, as well as the third largest gas producer in the country, with natural gas from two major gas fields and Maari full on stream. With its relatively underexplored basins, New Zealand offers huge potential for future discoveries and developments and the company is the operator in a pioneering joint venture with the aim of exploring the Great South Basin off the south coast of the South Island.