TotalEnergies enlists Chinese seismic contractor for Iraq field revamp

China's BGP has secured a seismic survey contract from TotalEnergies to help revitalise the French supermajor's Ratawi oilfield in Iraq.

The contract marks BGP's first foray in Iraq since it pulled out in 2015 due to security concerns.

BGP said it secured the contract through a tender launched by TotalEnergies in 2022 without offering further details.

However, sources close to the company indicated that the work scope includes 800 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys at the Ratawi field, with completion targeted for the end of the year, a timeline that sources called ambitious given the need to clear landmines before work can commence.

The contract is part of TotalEnergies' broader plan to boost gas production at the Ratawi field to 200,000 barrels per day, up from the current 60,000 bpd.

TotalEnergies said in a release that it has been tasked with building a gas gathering network and treatment units to supply local power stations, as well as bringing expertise to optimise oil and gas production at the Ratawi field.

The Ratawi oilfield, located in Basra Governorate, was discovered in 1950. The field began producing oil in 2018 and has proven reserves of around 10 billion barrels.

The field has recovered 10.43% of its total recoverable reserves, with peak production expected in 2029.

Security remains an issue in the region. In March this year, unidentified gunmen confronted employees of a local mine clearance company working at Ratawi in what officials described as either a demand for land compensation or an extortion attempt.

Before its exit from Iraq in 2015, BGP had conducted multiple 3D and 2D seismic projects covering more than 8000 square kilometres for companies including Al-Waha, PetroChina, Eni, BP, CNOOC and Lukoil.