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Paloch Oil Field

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Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)

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The Paloch Oil Field is located in the Melut Basin of Upper Nile State, South Sudan, and stands as one of the country's most productive petroleum assets. Primarily operated by the Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), it forms the backbone of South Sudan's export-driven economy. The field mainly produces 'Dar Blend,' a heavy, acidic crude oil that is transported via a 1,600-kilometer pipeline to Port Sudan on the Red Sea for global export. Geographically, the oil field spans expansive plains east of the Nile, where industrial infrastructure including numerous wellheads and processing facilities dominates the landscape. Its development led to the growth of Paloch town, which hosts a significant airport crucial for transporting technical personnel and heavy machinery. Despite its economic importance, the Paloch field often faces criticism regarding environmental degradation and its impact on the surrounding communities. Maintaining the security of this strategic area is essential for the national stability and fiscal health of South Sudan.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C273032333129272727292827
Rain mm00314729814915512410262

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Paloch Oil Field is one of the largest and most productive petroleum extraction areas in South Sudan, located in Upper Nile State. It is central to the country's economy, with oil being the primary export.
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Visiting
The oil field is a highly secured industrial site, not open to the public. Nearby, however, infrastructure like drilling rigs and pipelines can be seen from a safe distance along main roads.
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Where to view it
From the main road through the region, you get a good view of the drilling rigs and pumping units. Some elevated spots provide a wide panorama of the entire field.
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Local products
The field produces crude oil, which is transported via pipelines to export terminals. No direct retail products are available on-site, but fuel and lubricants are sold in nearby towns.
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Active season
Extraction runs continuously throughout the year, with occasional maintenance shutdowns. Peak activity occurs during the dry season when access to the facilities is best.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with exploration of nearby Nile branches and wetlands rich in birdlife. The town of Malakal also gives markets and cultural insights into South Sudanese life.

Geography

Coordinates
10.43000, 32.55000

Facts

  • Paloch is the largest operating oil field within the Melut Basin region.
  • It is operated by the DPOC consortium, including CNPC, Petronas, and Sinopec.
  • The 'Dar Blend' crude from Paloch is highly viscous and requires specialized handling.
  • Paloch Airport features one of the few long paved runways in South Sudan.
  • The field's output accounts for a vast majority of South Sudan's foreign exchange earnings.
  • Infrastructure includes a massive Central Processing Facility to separate water and gas from oil.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ksar Ouled SoltaneKsar Ouled Soltane28 km · NExplore →
Melut Basin Oil ComplexMelut Basin Oil Complex39 km · SExplore →
Adar Yale Oil FieldAdar Yale Oil Field41 km · NWExplore →
Kaka Nile PortKaka Nile Port42 km · SExplore →
TataouineTataouine42 km · NExplore →
CheniniChenini43 km · NExplore →
WazinWazin69 km · SExplore →
KodokKodok70 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Paloch oil field?
A significant economic center of oil production in the country.
Is the oil field accessible to tourists?
No, it is a secured industrial zone.
Why is the region economically important?
Due to the significant crude oil reserves for export.
Can you approach the region?
Only with official permission, as it is a restricted zone.
What is to be found in the surroundings?
Mainly industrial infrastructure and worker settlements.
Paloch Oil Field: where is it located?
Paloch Oil Field is located in South Sudan.
Paloch Oil Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Paloch Oil Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Paloch Oil Field is located in the Melut Basin of Upper Nile State, South Sudan, and stands as one of the country's most productive petroleum assets.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Malakal — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Malakal
Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile State and a major commercial hub along the White Nile.
Kodok — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Kodok
Kodok, historically known as Fashoda, is the seat of the Shilluk King and a place of great cultural importance.
Renk — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Renk
Renk is the northernmost city in South Sudan and a crucial gateway for trade with Sudan.
Nasir — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Nasir
Nasir is a strategically important town on the Sobat River, near the Ethiopian border.

History & landmarks

Malakal Vocational Training Center — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Malakal Vocational Training Center
A distinctive building complex in Malakal, crucial for professional training in the region.
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Malakal Stadium
The central sports stadium in Malakal, a major venue for football and athletics in Upper Nile State.

Nature

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Sobat River
A tributary of the White Nile that carries large amounts of sediment during the rainy season.

More places

Melut Basin Oil Complex — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Melut Basin Oil Complex
An extensive complex of facilities for coordinating oil extraction throughout the Melut Basin.
Adar Yale Oil Field — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Adar Yale Oil Field
One of the most productive oil fields in the Melut Basin, supplying crude oil to the world market.
Kaka Nile Port — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Kaka Nile Port
A formerly important river port on the White Nile that served as a trading station in the 19th century.
Fashoda — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Fashoda
The site of the 1898 Fashoda Incident, a diplomatic turning point between France and Great Britain.
Shrine of Nyikang (Pachodo) — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Shrine of Nyikang (Pachodo)
The spiritual and ritual center of the Shilluk Kingdom, dedicated to the founding father Nyikang.
Lul Mission — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Lul Mission
An early Catholic mission station in the Shilluk area, known for its agricultural schools.
Renk River Port — Paloch Oil Field (South Sudan)
Renk River Port
The northernmost port of South Sudan on the White Nile, specialized in exporting grain and trade goods.
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Renk Grain Belt
The most important region for mechanized farming in the north, specializing in sorghum, millet, and sunflowers.