Baghdad: The Ministry of Oil has announced the signing of a contract with the international company Schlumberger to enhance production capabilities in the Akkas gas field, located in Anbar Governorate. This development marks a significant step toward exploiting the gas resources in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Engineer Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad, highlighted that the Middle Oil Company has been assigned the task of executing the project. The American company Schlumberger will undertake drilling operations to elevate production rates to 100 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/day). A previous contract with a Ukrainian company has been cancelled in favor of this new partnership.

The Minister also mentioned plans to sign additional contracts for constructing surface facilities and establishing a pipeline network to transport gas from the wells to central processing units. The gas extracted will be directed to the Anbar Combined Gas Plant, which is currently being constructed by the Ministry of Electricity.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to contractual deadlines, given the urgent demand for gas. This project is expected to contribute an additional 60 MMcf/day of gas, aiming for a target capacity of 400 MMcf/day eventually.

The signing ceremony was attended by undersecretaries and general directors from the Ministry's central departments. Gokhan Yarim, Head of Schlumberger Integrated Projects, expressed satisfaction with the contract, emphasizing the company's commitment to timely execution and potential for future collaborations.

Bassem Mohammed Khudair, the Ministry of Oil's Undersecretary for Extraction Affairs, described the contract as a significant production achievement in the gas sector, particularly with a longstanding partner like Schlumberger. This initiative represents the initial phase of developing the Akkas gas field, targeting a production capacity of 100 cubic meters per day. The Ministry aims to boost the field's development through national efforts alongside Schlumberger, with a focus on reducing flared gas and increasing production capacities.

Mohammed Yassin, Director General of the Central Oil Company, reiterated the leadership's support for the Akkas field development, noting its strategic economic and technical importance. The contract introduces a new economic model, providing opportunities for oil companies to engage directly with service companies for field operations.