French oil major Total has said that a consortium, led by PetroChina and Petronas, has started production at the Halfaya field in Iraq
The consortium, which has targeted a first phase average of 70,000 bpd, hopes to eventually increase production at the field to 535,000 bpd.
Total E&P Iraq holds a 18.75 per cent stake in the consortium that operates the field, along with PetroChina (37.5 per cent), Petronas Carigali (18.75 per cent) and state-owned South Oil Company (25 per cent).
"This first step of production from Halfaya marks a milestone in the development of the field," said Yves-Louis Darricarrère, president of Total Exploration and Production.
"Total remains committed to accompanying the development of the Iraqi oil industry and is looking at engaging in other projects.
"In working with its partners PetroChina and Petronas on the Halfaya oil field, Total will also further strengthen its international partnership with world-class national oil companies," he added.
Total started its activities in Iraq in the 1920s with the discovery of the Kirkuk field.
