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Ministry drops Nassiriya Integrated Project

Iraq will rely on a newly formed state oil company to develop the Nassiriya oil field, leaving only the nearby refinery project for investors, ending more than six years of pitching the two as a combined mega-project, according to Iraq Oil Report.

Most recently, Iraq had been in direct negotiations with PetroChina and the China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) to build a 150,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery and develop the 4.4 billion barrel Nassiriya oil field – the two components of the Nassiriya Integrated Project.

The international engineering and construction firm Foster Wheeler completed a Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for the refinery.

Read the full report from Iraq Oil Report here (subscription required).

(Source: Iraq Oil Report)

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NIDC Eyes Iraqi Drilling Market

The National Iranian Drilling Company (NIDC) is planning to participate in neighboring Iraq‘s drilling tenders.

Speaking to reported on the sidelines of an oil show in Kish Island, on Tuesday, Sepehr Sepehri, NIDC managing director, said the company’s approach is to secure itself a toehold in global markets, adding NIDC is planning to participate in international drilling tenders in Iraq.

“We have plans to join drilling projects in neighboring countries and we have started correspondences with Iraq in this regard,” the official said.

Sepehri said the two country’s access to Arvand Free Zone, favorable crude oil production capacity in Iraq’s Basra and the good terms the two neighbors are on are among the advantages of working in Iraq.

He further said that NIDC will take part in three drilling tenders that Italy’s ENI is planning to hold in Iraq.

The NIDC official added that Oman is another market the company is seeing to gain a foothold in.

“We have indicated readiness to offer services to Oman, too, and will consider the matter in more depth during a visit by an Omani delegation to Iran within the next few weeks.”

Besides drilling operations, NIDC enjoys massive potentialities in offering drilling services, the CEO added.

“After Iraq and Oman, we are targeting operations in Qatar,” Sepehri added.

(Source: Shana)

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Genel Energy Updates on Operations in Kurdistan

Genel Energy has issued a trading and operations update in advance of the Company’s full-year 2017 results, which are scheduled for release on 22 March 2018. The information contained herein has not been audited and may be subject to further review.

Murat Özgül, Chief Executive of Genel, said:

“A strong final quarter of 2017 completed a very positive year for Genel. During the quarter, the successful Peshkabir-3 well result tripled production at the field to c.15,000 bopd, a figure that is expected to grow in 2018, while at Taq Taq the TT-29w well was brought on production.

“Payments for oil sales were received from the Kurdistan Regional Government (‘KRG’) in every month of 2017, totalling over $260 million net to Genel and leading to $140 million of free cash flow in the year. The 2017 payments were bolstered by the receipt of override payments in the fourth quarter under the Receivable Settlement Agreement (‘RSA’), and payments have continued in early 2018.

“The recently announced CPRs reaffirmed the potential of the Bina Bawi and Miran fields, with combined 1C gross raw gas resource estimates higher than the gas volumes agreed under the Gas Lifting Agreements. The upstream field development plans are expected to complete shortly, and will help define the roadmap to unlocking the value in these major resources.

“The successful debt refinancing in late 2017, and the expectation of ongoing material free cash flow, provides us with a solid platform and financial flexibility to execute our growth plans during 2018 and beyond.“

2017 OPERATING PERFORMANCE AND 2018 ACTIVITY OUTLOOK

  • 2017 net production averaged 35,200 bopd, with Q4 averaging 32,760 bopd. Production and sales by asset during 2017 was as follows:

(bopd)

Export via pipeline

Refinery sales

Total      sales

Total production

Genel net production

Taq Taq

11,700

6,350

18,050

18,050

7,940

Tawke PSC

108,250

10

108,260

109,050

27,260

Total

119,950

6,360

126,310

127,100

35,200

Note: Difference between production and sales relates to inventory movements

  • Tawke PSC (Genel 25% working interest)
    • Tawke PSC production averaged 109,050 bopd in 2017, with aggregate production from the Peshkabir-2 and Peshkabir-3 wells contributing 3,590 bopd to this figure. Combined production from the two fields currently averages c.110,000 barrels of oil per day
    • Preparations are underway to drill the Peshkabir-4 well. Additional drilling activity is planned on both the Tawke and Peshkabir fields during 2018, with overall activity levels dependent on production performance, drilling results, field studies, and ongoing payments from the KRG
  • Taq Taq PSC (Genel 44% working interest and joint operator)
    • Taq Taq field production averaged 18,050 bopd in 2017
    • Production in Q4 2017 averaged 14,035 bopd (Q3 2017 14,080 bopd). Ahead of the completion of a number of wells in Q4 2017, the overall rate of production decline slowed during the year due to the implementation of a proactive well intervention and production optimisation programme
    • In 2018 to date, production from Taq Taq has averaged 14,540 bopd, with the TT-29w, TT-30, and TT-31 wells contributing to the stabilisation in production from the beginning of Q4
    • As previously announced in late 2017, the TT-29w well was brought onto production after encountering a deeper free water level and more extensive oil bearing cretaceous reservoirs on the northern flank of the field than previously forecast. The results of the well will be analysed ahead of finalising the 2018 drilling programme, with field activity likely to be weighted towards the second half of the year. The ongoing Taq Taq well intervention programme, focused on the provision of artificial lift and water shut off in existing wells, will continue throughout 2018
    • Going forward, the Company will revert to reporting Taq Taq field production on a quarterly basis, as part of its corporate level disclosures
  • Bina Bawi and Miran (Genel 100% and operator)
    • As announced on 23 January 2018, Genel has agreed a 12 month extension to the conditions precedent schedule contained within the Gas Lifting Agreements for the Bina Bawi and Miran PSCs
    • CPRs for the Bina Bawi and Miran West gas fields concluded a c.40% increase in the combined 2C gas resources compared to the pro-forma end-2016 2C resource
    • The field development plans, being carried out by Baker Hughes, are on schedule to be completed shortly, and will help define the roadmap to unlocking the value of the assets
    • Genel will continue its systematic efforts to maximise the value of Bina Bawi and Miran, which includes optimising the cost and schedule of the proposed upstream developments
      • § In 2018 Genel expects to undertake an extended well test of Bina Bawi-4, which will provide valuable data on well deliverability and gas composition
    • The Company will continue to build momentum behind the development of Bina Bawi and Miran, and will continue engagement with potential farm-in partners for upstream participation at an optimal time to secure maximum value for Genel shareholders
  • African exploration update
    • Onshore Somaliland, the acquisition of 2D seismic data on the SL-10B/13 (Genel 75%, operator) and Odewayne (Genel 50%, operator) blocks has now completed – the first time that seismic has been obtained in this highly prospective area for over 25 years. The project acquired c.3,150 km in total, including infill 2D seismic acquisition of targeted high-graded areas. Processing of the data has commenced, and will facilitate seismic interpretation and the associated development of a prospect inventory, in turn guiding the optimal strategy to maximise future value
    • As announced in November 2017, Genel’s prior commitment to drill one well on the Sidi Moussa licence, offshore Morocco (Genel 60% working interest), has been replaced by an obligation to carry out a 3D seismic campaign across the Sidi Moussa acreage, significantly reducing anticipated expenditure. Planning is ongoing, with seismic acquisition set to begin in 2018, which is expected to materially de-risk the prospectivity of the Sidi Moussa licence

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • $263 million of cash proceeds were received in 2017 ($207 million in 2016), of which $72 million was received in Q4
  • Following the signing of the Receivable Settlement Agreement, effective 1 August 2017:
    • $19 million in override payments for the Tawke field were received in Q4
    • An additional $7 million of cash flow was generated from the elimination of the capacity building payment on Genel’s profit oil from the Tawke PSC
  • $19 million in payments for oil sales during October 2017 received post-period in January 2018
  • Free cash flow (pre interest payments) totalled $140 million in 2017 
  • In December 2017, the Company successfully completed the refinancing of its existing bonds, reducing the outstanding bond debt from $421.8 million to $300 million by way of an early redemption of a notional amount of $121.8 million. The new 5 year bond has a coupon of 10% per annum
  • Following the successful refinancing, unrestricted cash balances at 31 December 2017 stood at $162 million ($268 million at 30 September 2017). IFRS net debt at 31 December 2017 stood at $135 million ($138 million at 30 September 2017)
  • Capital expenditure for 2017 totalled $95 million (in line with guidance), with the majority of spend on the Taq Taq and Tawke PSCs ($64 million)

2018 GUIDANCE

  • Combined net production from the Tawke and Taq Taq PSCs during 2018 is expected to be close to Q4 2017 levels (as disclosed above)
  • Capital expenditure net to Genel is forecast to be c.$95-140 million, spanning a range of firm and contingent spend, with activity levels dependent on ongoing drilling results and progress on Miran and Bina Bawi. It is expected that capex  will be funded entirely from operational cash flow, and includes:
    • Tawke and Taq Taq net to Genel of $60-85 million
    • Miran and Bina Bawi capex of $25-40 million
    • African exploration cost of $10-15 million
  • Opex: c.$30 million
  • G&A: c.$15 million cash cost
  • Based on a continuation of payments throughout 2018, Genel expects to generate material free cash flow in 2018

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Iraq-Saudi Links Enhanced

By John Lee.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz received in Al Yamama Palace in Al Riyadh the Iraqi Planning/Trade Minister (acting) Dr. Salman Al Jumaily, Head of the Iraqi side in the Iraqi-Saudi Coordination Council, Dr. Sami R. Al Araji, Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Mr. Kadhim Mohamed Al Iqabi, Chairman of the Borders Crossings Commission, Engineer Adil Kereem, Vice Minister of Industry and Minerals and the Chargé d’affaires of the Iraqi Embassy to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, the importance of the council was emphasized in developing and enhancing the mutual cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Saood Bin Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Interior Affaires and Minister of Trade and Investment the head of the Saudi side in the Coordination Council both attended the reception.

(Source: NIC)

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Five Oil Storage Facilities available for Investment

By John Lee.

Iraq’s National Investment Commission (NIC) has included five oil storage facilities in its list of major strategic projects to be presented during the Kuwait International Conference for Iraq Reconstruction, to be held in Kuwait from 12th to 14th February:

  • Bin Omar field for crude oil in Basra Province, with a design capacity of 22x 66000 m3 (first phase) and 9x 66000 m3 (second phase).
  • Mosul field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 4x 10000 m3, Diesel Fuel 3x 10000 m3 and Kerosene 3x 10000 m3 in Mosul Province.
  • Tuba field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 4x 20000 m3, Diesel Fuel 2x 20000 m3, Kerosene 3x 10000 m3 and Jet fuel 2x 50000 m3 in Basra Province.
  • Aziziya field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 2x 10000 m3, Diesel Fuel 1x 10000 m3 and Kerosene 1x 10000 m3 in Kut.
  • Samara’a field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 4×2500 m3, Diesel Fuel 2×5000 m3 and Kerosene 2×5000 m3 in Saladin Province.

The full 46-page document can be downloaded here.

(Source: NIC)

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Five Oil Storage Facilities available for Investment

By John Lee.

Iraq’s National Investment Commission (NIC) has included five oil storage facilities in its list of major strategic projects to be presented during the Kuwait International Conference for Iraq Reconstruction, to be held in Kuwait from 12th to 14th February:

  • Bin Omar field for crude oil in Basra Province, with a design capacity of 22x 66000 m3 (first phase) and 9x 66000 m3 (second phase).
  • Mosul field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 4x 10000 m3, Diesel Fuel 3x 10000 m3 and Kerosene 3x 10000 m3 in Mosul Province.
  • Tuba field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 4x 20000 m3, Diesel Fuel 2x 20000 m3, Kerosene 3x 10000 m3 and Jet fuel 2x 50000 m3 in Basra Province.
  • Aziziya field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 2x 10000 m3, Diesel Fuel 1x 10000 m3 and Kerosene 1x 10000 m3 in Kut.
  • Samara’a field for Petroleum Products/ Gasoline 4×2500 m3, Diesel Fuel 2×5000 m3 and Kerosene 2×5000 m3 in Saladin Province.

The full 46-page document can be downloaded here.

(Source: NIC)

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Genel Energy gets more time for Gas Project

Genel Energy has announce that it has agreed with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) a 12 month extension to the schedule for satisfying the conditions precedent (‘CPs’) contained within the Gas Lifting Agreements (‘GLA’s) for the Bina Bawi and Miran fields signed in February 2017.

The revised date by which the CPs are to be satisfied or waived is 9 February 2019.

The CPs contained within the February 2017 GLAs included, inter alia, the execution of final agreements on the midstream gas processing facilities and pipeline transportation, and the completion of updated competent person’s reports (‘CPRs’) for Bina Bawi and Miran.

The CPRs relating to the contingent gas resources at the Bina Bawi and Miran West fields have recently been completed, details of which were announced on 19 January 2018.

(Source: Genel Energy)

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Children in Iraq Impacted by Conflict and Poverty

At least one in four children in Iraq impacted by conflict and poverty

At the upcoming Kuwait conference, UNICEF calls for immediate and massive additional investment in education; a key for lasting peace and progress in Iraq

Statement by UNICEF Regional Director, Geert Cappelaere, following his visit to Iraq:

“Iraq today hosts one of UNICEF’s largest operations in the world, responding with humanitarian and development assistance to the needs of the most vulnerable girls and boys across the country.

“More than 4 million children have been impacted by extreme violence in several areas including in Ninewa and al-Anbar. Last year alone, 270 children were killed. Many were robbed of their childhood, forced to fight on the frontlines. Some will bear the physical and psychological scars for life due to exposure to unprecedented brutality. Over 1 million children were forced to leave their homes.

“While the fighting has come to an end in several areas, spikes of violence continue in others. Just this week, three bombings went off in Baghdad. Violence is not only killing and maiming children; it is destroying schools, hospitals, homes and roads. It is tearing apart the diverse social fabric and the culture of tolerance that hold communities together.

“In the northern city of Mosul, a place that witnessed unspeakable destruction, I met children who were hit hard by three years of violence. In one of the schools that UNICEF recently rehabilitated in the western parts of Mosul, I joined 12-year-old Noor in class. She told me how her family stayed in the city even during the peak of the fighting. She spoke of her fear when she was taking shelter. She lost three years of schooling and is now working hard to catch up, learning English with other boys and girls.

“Mankind may have proven once again in Mosul and other parts of Iraq its massive power to destroy and destruct. But another much stronger power left a deeper impression: the determination to rebuild and get on with life. Children were so excited speaking of their aspirations, sharing their happiness of being able to play and study again.

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NIC Announces 157 Major Strategic Projects in Iraq

By John Lee.

Iraq’s National Investment Commission (NIC) has just announced the list of major strategic projects to be presented during the Kuwait International Conference for Iraq Reconstruction, to be held in Kuwait from 12th to 14th February.

The 157 large- and medium-sized projects span all sectors of the Iraqi economy, including oil and gas, transport, housing, agriculture and education.

The full 46-page document can be downloaded here.

(Source: NIC)