Iraq's West Qurna 1 reaches production milestone

Redevelopment of the West Qurna 1 field is expected to significantly boost Iraq's energy resources.

ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, together with the South Oil Company of Iraq and co-venturers Shell West Qurna B.V. and Oil Exploration Company of Iraq, announced Monday the “major production milestone” of 285,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 244,000 bpd at the redevelopment of the West Qurna I oil field in Southern Iraq.

This exceeds the 10% improved production target established under the technical services contract, according to ExxonMobil.

Dheyaa Jaafar, director-general of the South Oil Company, said, "This is a major milestone in West Qurna I achievements and is a result of the teamwork and efforts of the West Qurna I co-venturers. The continued redevelopment of the West Qurna I field will make a significant contribution to Iraq's energy resources and prosperity for the benefit of the Iraqi people.”

“This important development has been made possible by a strong partnership with the South Oil Company based on common values and goals,” said James Adams, vice president of ExxonMobil Iraq Limited. “ExxonMobil is an industry leader in the timely and cost effective execution of complex long-term projects and we are committed to working with the South Oil Company to help fulfill Iraq’s strategic energy development plans."

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Under the terms of the contract, day-to-day production operations have transferred to the West Qurna I field operating division, which is staffed by personnel from the South Oil Company and ExxonMobil. The day-to-day operations include drilling new wells, working over existing wells, and debottlenecking and optimising facilities. More than 1,600 Iraqis are engaged in West Qurna I field operations.

ExxonMobil subsidiary Exxon Mobil Iraq Limited (60% interest) is the lead contractor working with the South Oil Company of Iraq to redevelop and expand the West Qurna I field along with the Oil Exploration Company of Iraq (25% interest) and Shell West Qurna B.V., a Royal Dutch Shell affiliate (15% interest).