The Majnoon Field - A Case Study of Drilling Operations in a Remote Area of Iraq

Abstract

Abstract Iraq presents many challenges to international oil and gas producers. This paper will discuss one such operation, the giant Majnoon oilfield. The field was discovered in 1975. Following the drilling of 20 wells, operations were suspended due to the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980's. After the war, production resumed, however drilling did not re-commence until 2011. The challenges of Majnoon are many: unexploded ordnance litters the field; (total) losses in the 12 ¼" hole; logistics require extensive planning and all drilling is undertaken by rigs with less experienced crews. Operator's tendering guidelines required a turnkey arrangement between Operator and the main Contractor, leading to an intricate arrangement of sub-contracts. Limited offset data further challenged the drilling process, with a steep learning curve evident across the field. With different disciplines on the critical path to meet the production target date, associated simultaneous operations led to rescheduling and flexibility on the part of the drilling operations team. Major success factors include a focus on performance; contract management; having the ideal team in place from day one; upfront planning and competence assurance. The paper will discuss aspects of the drilling program, from the initial contracting strategy, through to the final well delivery. Following an assessment of learning from the early wells in the sequence, the evolution of the performance culture will be discussed. The working relationship between the operator's field team and that of the main Contractor will be examined, particularly given the turnkey nature of the operation. The realignment of the project objectives after the first three wells will also be addressed. The aim of the paper is to present a case study of the complexities that arise, from operating in a country recovering from a troubled period. The intent is to share learning that may enable future operations in Iraq to avoid some of the operational pitfalls seen in Majnoon.