Production at Iraq’s Halfaya oil field (PetroChina 45% op, Petronas 22.5%, Total 22.5%, Missan Oil 10%) is currently at 270,000 b/d, MEES understands. The field began ramping up from 200,000 b/d in September with the aim of hitting 400,000 b/d in 1Q 2019 as part of Phase-3 development of the 4.1bn barrel heavy oil field (MEES, 28 September). The addition of a third and final central processing facility (CPF) raised production capacity by 200,000 b/d, and the current ramp-up involves connecting new wells and adding three additional trains at the CPF.

Halfaya now stands a strong chance to be Iraq’s first field to reach its production plateau target (PPT). The technical services contracts (TSCs) have proven unpopular with IOCs and Baghdad alike, which would make the achievement all the more remarkable. (CONTINUED - 127 WORDS)