More broadly, we want to see a thriving local Iraqi market that supports our industry, so that Rumaila can expand its local contractors base (currently 40%), instead of having to turn to international firms. This means paying real attention to supporting local companies to take major steps in building their skill levels.
Nawar Abdulhadi: As an industry expert and BP Country Manager for Iraq, how would you summarize your experience working in Iraq?
Zaid Elyaseri: The joint venture between BP, SOC and PetroChina was a new way of operating for each partner; of course, it has been a challenging journey for all of us, not least exacerbated by the fall in oil price, but Rumaila has increased production by over a third (above base decline) since the establishment of the Rumaila Operating Organisation in 2010.
Personally speaking, it has been a rewarding seven years. We are working with our partners to overcome challenges – from logistical and structural difficulties (which have significantly improved in South Iraq in recent years) to developing a workforce comprised of different cultures that has been able to pull together and work as one team to deliver for Iraq. Yes, there are always challenges, which can make long-term planning difficult, but this is not unique to Iraq.
As an Iraqi, being able to work to help make Rumaila a success – Iraq’s most valuable economic asset – is something that gives me great pride.
Nawar Abdulhadi: What is the role of BP in enhancing projects performance and research in Iraq?
Zaid Elyaseri: BP is in Iraq for precisely this reason: to enhance the performance of its contracted oil operations. At Rumaila, successfully increasing oil production has been achieved through introducing new technologies, renovating the field and by deploying modern engineering solutions.
Comments are closed.