Archive | 2011

Strengthening Ties between Kurdistan and Scotland

Karim Sinjari, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Interior Minister, yesterday met Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister, who offered Scotland's cooperation in a wide range of fields and discussed ways to strengthen relations among the peoples of both nations. Minister Sinjari separately met Kenny MacAskill, Scotland's Justice Secretary, and visited the Scottish Police College. The meetings were […]

The Iraqi Oil Rush

The rush is on for exploration and production real estate in Iraq. Companies with promising licences, or existing operations, are clearly very desirable to potential investors, and so have had little difficulty tapping the markets for more funds. In recent weeks alone we've seen: WesternZagros Resources raise C$46 million from the Abu Dhabi National Energy […]

Key Industry Developments Discussed at Iraq Mega Projects 2011

Senior executives and industry experts gathered at the three day conference and seminar Iraq Mega Projects 2011 hosted by The CWC Group at the Ritz Carlton, Istanbul between the 18-20 October 2011. Focusing on the recent developments of Iraq’s oil and gas fields, water projects drilling activates, infrastructure growth and corporate social responsibility the event […]

Weekly Security Update for 26th October 2011

Levels of violence did not change in Iraq last week, but there was a drop in the number of casualties reported. The previous week had seen a number of bombings in the capital which left dozens dead but last week’s terrorist attacks were less devastating in terms of the number of casualties inflicted.  Furthermore, Baghdad […]

Brand Iraq and the Arab Spring

After the burial of Colonel Gaddafi this week - the symbolic end of his 42 year rule, I asked myself: “What countries will emerge from the Arab Spring and succeed in increasing tourism revenue streams and securing foreign investment?” I wondered where Iraq’s place would be within the context of the re-shaping that’s occurring in […]

Genel Plans Takeover of DNO?

Former BP chief executive Tony Hayward (pictured), who heads the cash-rich Genel Energy group, said he would be interested in buying Norwegian oil company DNO and its Kurdish oil licences. Norwegian newspaper Finansavisen reported on Tuesday that the remarks come a week before DNO shareholders are to vote on a contested proposal to buy UAE-based […]

LUKoil Starts Drilling at West Qurna-2

Russia's RIA Novosti reports that the country's largest private oil firm, LUKoil, has started exploration drilling on the giant West Qurna-2 oilfield in Iraq. Company head Vagit Alekperov said on Tuesday, "we have launched drilling, well borers are already there". In 2009, a consortium comsisting of LUKoil and Norway's Statoil won a tender to develop […]

Iraq Earmarks $50bn for Airport Projects

According to The Saudi Gazette, the Iraqi government has earmarked an estimated $50 billion for airport development projects in Iraq over the next few years. Iraqi Airways is scheduled to add new 55 Boeing and Bombardier aircraft to its fleet soon. The emerging markets of China, Russia, India, the Middle East, and Africa are forecast […]

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ShaMaran Announces $50m Private Placement

ShaMaran Petroleum reports that, subject to regulatory approval, it will carry out a non-brokered, private placement of up to an aggregate of 125 million common shares of the Company at a price of $0.40 per share for gross proceeds of up to Cdn $50 million. Shares issued pursuant to the private placement will be subject […]

Subsea Team Secures Crucial Pipelines

Subsea excavation specialists Marin Group recently played a key role in clearing unexploded ordnance from the route of three new pipelines crucial to Iraq's future oil exports, according to an article in Maritime Journal. Operating company Marin Subsea Ltd was contracted by UK based Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC), which had been awarded overall […]

Former Innospec Exec in Court on Corruption Charges

Dr David Turner appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, England, on Tuesday. He is charged with alleged offences of conspiring to make corrupt payments to public officials in Indonesia and Iraq to secure contracts for Innospec Ltd for the supply of its products. He is also charged with conspiring to defraud a competitor company […]