By John Lee.
The Ministry of Oil has signed a contract with US-based Schlumberger (SLB) to increase natural gas production at the Akkas gas field in Anbar province.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani, described the project as a major milestone in Iraq's gas development strategy. He confirmed that Midland Oil Company has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the project, which targets increasing production at the field to 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).
The new contract follows the cancellation of a previous agreement with the Ukrainian company Ukrzemresurs. Minister Abdul Ghani said the project will include:
Drilling new wells by Schlumberger;
- A forthcoming contract for the construction of surface facilities;
- A parallel contract with the State Company for Oil Projects (SCOP) to build a pipeline network linking wells to central processing units.
- The gas produced will be directed to the Anbar Combined Cycle Power Plant, currently under construction by the Ministry of Electricity.
The Minister stressed the urgency of delivering the project on schedule, noting that the initial 60 mmscfd addition will bring the total processed volume to 100 mmscfd out of an expected full capacity of 400 mmscfd.
Gokhan Yarim, President of Integrated Projects at Schlumberger, expressed satisfaction at signing the agreement and affirmed the company's commitment to the project timeline.
Deputy Oil Minister for Extraction, Bassem Mohammed Khudair, said the deal reflects Iraq's commitment to ending gas flaring, expanding domestic gas production, and providing a secure investment environment in Anbar. He highlighted the project as a key step in the ministry's strategy to develop gas fields like Akkas and Mansouriya through national efforts, supported by international expertise.
Mohammed Yaseen, Director General of Midland Oil Company, emphasised the strategic and economic dimensions of the project, noting the use of a new economic model and a more direct role for service companies.
(Source: Ministry of Oil)
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