DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi Ministry of Oil has announced the completion of its first multilateral oil well in the Southern East Baghdad oil field, finished in record time with advanced technology and double production output.

Bassem Mohammed Khudair, deputy minister for extraction affairs, said the project is part of the ministry's ambitious plans to align with the government's energy strategy. 

"This achievement comes as part of government directives and the vision of Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Oil Minister, aimed at boosting the oil and gas sector," Khudair said.

The new well was completed using cutting-edge drilling technology at a low economic cost, with production rates significantly higher than initially anticipated, Khudair added.

The Southern East Baghdad field is operated by Chinese firm EBS, which has increased production to 40,000 barrels per day. The field supplies oil to the Al-Quds power station and the Dora refinery in Baghdad. The ministry aims to further boost production from the field.

In addition to increasing oil output, the field’s development has benefited surrounding communities, creating jobs and improving local infrastructure in education and healthcare.

Muhammad Yassin Hassan, director general of Midland Oil Company, which supervised the drilling, described the well as a multilateral and multi-section structure—a first of its kind in the field. 

Drilling began in late June and was completed in 82 days, 12 days ahead of schedule, due to exceptional coordination between the Midland Oil Company and EBS.

The drilling included two sections: one extending 1,215 meters and the other 1,503 meters, Hassan said.

The ministry's goal is to sustain crude oil production, maximize gas utilization, and contribute to Iraq’s economic development by securing energy for power generation and other industrial uses.