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By John Lee.

The Australian reports that the company at the centre of the Leighton Holdings bribery allegations has denied any involvement in corruption in Iraq, or having links to the Oil Minister and Prime Minister.

Unaoil, which is based in Monaco, was alleged to have been paid kickbacks by Leighton to secure an oil pipeline contract from the Iraqi government. According to Fairfax Media, Unaoil, which is run by an Iranian family, had close ties to Oil Minister Shahristani and Prime Minister al-Maliki.

But in a statement the company said:

"Unaoil takes great offence from, and categorically denies, any allegations that we engaged in improper conduct in relation to our work with Leighton on the ICOEEP (Iraq Crude Oil Export Expansion Project)."

It added that it had been cleared of any wrongdoing following an external investigation.

(Source: The Australian)

Vizocom has announced the opening its fully staffed office in Basra, to extend its services for the industrial as well as social communities in the region.

Vizocom has been providing Communication and IT services in Iraq and Afghanistan for years. It also has an impressive portfolio for providing services to Oil companies (Exxon Mobil, Honeywell, Shell, BP, ENI, UNAOIL, Petro China, SLB, Baker Hughes International, OJSC, etc.) and Security Companies (REED INC, Triple Canopy, Sabre Security, G4S, Olive Group, TAAZ, etc.).

• The services provided include:
• VSAT and Internet over fiber
• VOIP and Video Conferencing
• LAN (CAT6/fiber) and WLAN infrastructure
• Microwave links
• Procurement of IT and office equipment (Cisco, DELL, HP, APC, Juniper, Motorola, Thuraya)
• CATV and IPTV
• CCTV and Security Surveillance
• Fire Alarm and PAGA Solutions

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 proved to be a great success.

H.E. Thamir Gadhban Chairman of the Advisory Commission to the Iraqi Prime Minister Iraqi Government, stated at the conference “Iraq is now producing 2.9 million barrels of crude oil a day and could reach approximately 3 million barrels a day by the end of October” also commenting Iraq’s output has increased mainly from three super giant producing oil fields, Rumaila, West Qurna Phae 1 and Zubair, which are being developed by consortiums led by BP PLC, Exxon Mobil and Eni SpA.

To improve infrastructure and develop the oil fields BP PLC, Exxon Mobil and Eni SpA will spend $100 billion across the three oil fields, $50 billion on upgrades to the West Qurna Phase 1 field and the remaining $50 billion on upgrades to the Rumaila and Zubair oil fieldsm which will support the consortiums target to produce 6.8 million barrels a day by 2017.

Proving to be one of the highlights of the event, project led roundtable discussions led by contract holders Statoil, ExxonMobil, Petronas, Sonangol, Eni and Lukoil gave delegates the opportunity to discuss key challenges and opportunities faced in the development of Iraq’s oil and gas fields.

With the conference room full until the end of the last session, delegates showed enthusiasm in discussing the challenges, solutions and future opportunities for Iraq’s oil and gas infrastructure.

Iraq Mega Projects 2011 industry support to date Includes: Caterpillar, Iratrac, Unatrac, Emerson, Lakeshore TolTest, Olive Group, ExxonMobil, Statoil, Total, Oxy, Techint, OIEC, ACT, Exterran, Unaoil Group and Petronas.

For further information visit: http://www.cwcimp.com/index.aspx

Iraq has the fourth largest oil reserves in the world exporting approximately 96% for the country’s economy, in 2010 100’s of contracts were signed to develop Iraq’s oil and gas infrastructure and increase oil production. Over the last year contract holders have implemented intense geological surveying, drilling, well rehabilitation, security tightening and planning to develop Iraq’s oil and gas fields.

Iraq Mega projects 2011 will be taking place from the 18-20 October 2011 at the Ritz Carlton, Istanbul and will bring together senior Iraqi professionals, contract holders and the service industry themselves to discuss the progress made since the signing of the contracts, the challenges they have overcome and problems faced moving forward.

The Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister stated “projects would raise Iraq’s capacity to transform crude into fuels by 900,000 barrels a day.”

Looking in-depth at case studies contract holders will provide insight into their experiences and highlight future opportunities for the service industry. Featuring project led round table discussions contract holders including Statoil, ExxonMobil, Shell, Petronas, Sonangol, ENI and Lukoil will discuss opportunities in Iraq, their progress, challenges and problems faced.

A post conference Seminar will follow the main programme with a focus on the concepts and views of developing the value chain for the first time on Iraq including the Iraq Energy Strategy.

Iraq Mega Projects 2011 industry support to date Includes: Caterpillar, Iratrac, Unatrac, Emerson, Lakeshore TolTest, Olive Group, ExxonMobil, Statoil, Total, Oxy, Techint, OIEC, ACT, Exterran, Unaoil Group and Petronas.

For further information visit: http://www.cwcimp.com/index.aspx

According to U.S Energy Information Administration data, Iraq generates the majority of its revenue by exporting oil and importing about 30% of the gasoline it uses. The country is now seeking $30 billion in foreign investment to build refineries and develop oil and gas fields to avoid importing gasoline and diesel.

Iraq Mega Projects 2011 taking place from the 18-20 October 2011, at the Ritz Carlton, Istanbul, Turkey, will look in-depth at case studies showcasing the challenges, progress and solutions faced in the development and investment of Iraq’s oil and gas fields, while bringing together operators, local governors, service providers and experts.

The Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister stated “projects would raise Iraq’s capacity to transform crude into fuels by 900,000 barrels a day.”

“Four refineries currently in design and engineering stages are planned for Kirkuk, Maysan, Nassiriyah and will add 750, 000 barrels a day to capacity. In addition, a proposed 150,000 barrel a day facility in Nineveh is in the provisional phase and will refine heavy crude once production starts in nearby fields.”

Conference sessions will be led by field contract holders and service companies who will give their opinion on capacity and showcase both their experiences in Iraq and the expertise they have brought to the region.

Sponsors to date Include: Caterpillar, Iratrac, Unatrac, Emerson, Lakeshore TolTest, Olive Group, ExxonMobil, Statoil, Total, Oxy, Techint, OIEC, ACT, Exterran and Unaoil Group.

For further information visit: http://www.cwcimp.com/index.aspx