The West Qurna I oil field in Southern Iraq has achieved a major production milestone, according to developers ExxonMobil and South Oil Company, and co-venturers Shell and Oil Exploration Company.

Initial field production of 244,000 barrels per day has now increased to 285,000 barrels per day, which exceeds the 10 per cent improved production target established under the technical services contract.

“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,” stated Dheyaa Jaafar, director-general of the South Oil Company.

“This important development has been made possible by a strong partnership with the South Oil Company based on common values and goals,” added James Adams, vice president of ExxonMobil Iraq Limited.

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 per cent 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 per cent) and Shell West Qurna, a Royal Dutch Shell affiliate (15 per cent).-TradeArabia News Service