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Oil production kicks off in Kurdistan's Atrush block

Exploration & Production

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), a leading global energy company headquartered in Abu Dhabi with operations in 11 countries, has started oil production at its Atrush block in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

The TAQA-operated Atrush block is being developed in conjunction with the Kurdistan regional government, ShaMaran and Marathon Oil. The Atrush field, located 85 km northwest of Erbil, is one of the largest new oil developments in Kurdistan. It was discovered in 2011 and development started in 2013.

Oil started flowing through the Atrush central processing facility on 3 July, said TAQA in a press release. The facility has capacity to handle up to 30,000 boepd, with production expected to ramp up to this level some time this year.

Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, TAQA Chairman, said: “Starting operations at Atrush is an important milestone for TAQA, its co-venturers and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Atrush production will bring long-term cashflows to TAQA and we look forward to operating the asset with a commitment to the highest standards of health, safety and environmental protection. 

Saeed Al Dhaheri, acting Chief Operating Officer, TAQA added: “This achievement recognises TAQA’s experience and capabilities in developing and operating complex oil and gas assets utilising our global expertise.”

AbdulKhaliq Al Ameri, TAQA’s Acting Project Director - Iraq, added: “It is an exciting time for TAQA. Our dedicated team comprised of Kurdish, Emirati and international professionals have come together to deliver this outstanding achievement through their combined world-class knowledge and experience.”

TAQA is the operator of Atrush and has a 39.9 per cent working interest in the production-sharing contract. The other co-venturers are the Kurdistan regional government (25 per cent), General Explorations Partners (a wholly owned subsidiary of ShaMaran Petroleum Corp) (20 per cent), and Marathon Oil KDV B.V. (15 per cent).