Gazprom Neft connects Badra field to main Iraqi system

JSC Gazprom Neft has completed laying, testing, and connecting a 165-km oil pipeline from Badra field in Iraq to Gharraf field.

With systems already in place at Gharraf, completion of the Badra pipeline means the field is connected to the main Iraqi pipeline system.

The new system has the capacity to transport 204,000 b/d of oil, and can now supply the export terminal at Basra.

Work is continuing to launch production by midyear: a 170,000-b/d central gathering station and a gas treatment plant with capacity of 1.5 billion cu m/year.

Gazprom Neft produced its first oil from Badra in December 2013 as part of operating tests on well BD4 (OGJ Online, Jan. 9, 2014).

Badra field is in Wasit Province in eastern Iraq. Oil reserves at Badra are estimated at 3 billion bbl. By 2017, Badra production is forecast to reach 170,000 b/d.

Gazprom Neft, the operator, has 30% interest. Partners include Iraqi Oil Exploration Co. 25%, South Korea’s Kogas 22.5%, Malaysia’s Petronas 15%, and Turkey’s TPAO 7.5%.