ShaMaran Petroleum reports Atrush production impacted by sediment build-up

ShaMaran Petroleum has reported that recent production in the Atrush field in Kurdistan, Iraq, has been negatively impacted by the accumulation of sediment in production facilities.

Investigations carried out last week revealed a partial blockage of the heat exchanger by sediments. It is reported that samples have been taken and will be analysed.

Production for Q1 2018 averaged 23,600 barrels of oil equivalent per day (bopd), while production last month averaged 20,300bopd.

ShaMaran president and CEO Chris Bruijnzeels said: “Although unexpected, these kind of production problems are not uncommon and I am confident that these issues will be resolved and that production capacity will be restored to 30,000bopd in the near future.”

To prevent further build up, production will be monitored and adjusted if necessary.

Options to clean out the heat exchanger are being investigated, as well as chemical or mechanical solutions to prevent build-up from reoccurring.

Kurdistan-focused oil development and exploration firm ShaMaran has a 20.1% direct interest in the Atrush oil discovery.

Currently, the Atrush Block is undergoing an appraisal and development campaign.

ShaMaran is engaged in the exploration, acquisition, development and production of oil and natural gas interests with a focus on oil development in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.