Shell to participate in an integrated field study in Iraq

The Ministry of Oil in Iraq has awarded a contract for the execution of an integrated reservoir study for the Kirkuk field to Exploration Consultants Limited (ECL). Shell Exploration Company B.V. ("Shell") has offered to the Ministry of Oil support for the implementation of this study. Consequently, Shell and the Ministry of Oil have today signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to that effect.

Shell's technical assistance will bring its extensive experience with production from mature fields, and field developments and operations in the Middle East. The study will be conducted outside Iraq, and is expected to take about one year.

Gavin Graham, Director New Business Development, for Shell Exploration and Production in the Middle East, said today: "Shell's participation in the Kirkuk study is part of a broad programme of assistance to the Iraqi energy industry in areas in which its leaders have identified the industry's greatest needs. Shell's contribution to the study, which will improve the understanding and reservoir management of the Kirkuk field, is in line with our continued commitment to supporting the Iraqi oil industry, and establishing a material and enduring presence in the country."

In addition to the Kirkuk study, Shell is providing comprehensive training and development opportunities for Iraqi energy industry professionals to enhance skills and competencies and to increase exposure to modern practices and technology applications. Shell also supports a joint training effort between the Ministry of Oil of Iraq, UK government agencies, companies and academia, as well as providing international scholarships at post-graduate level, so that Iraqi professionals can enhance their skills and gain international experience for the benefit of Iraq.

Shell is also cooperating with the Ministry of Oil on a Gas Master Plan study. In addition to providing the Plan itself, this joint study will enable the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to make long-term strategic decisions in gas planning and marketing to optimise gas production and utilisation. Conducting the study will provide Iraqis with a training and development opportunity in applying the methodology and structured approach of master planning.

Shell Lubricants recently appointed a distributor for lubricants products in Iraq, through an extensive network of locations with local staff. Shell Trading has also been participating in the crude oil tenders organised by Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation.

Shell has had a presence in Iraq since the 1920s and was a 23.75 per cent shareholder in the Iraq Petroleum Company, which discovered the Kirkuk oil field in 1927. Iraq Petroleum Company was nationalised in 1972.