The proposed project will assess new oil export routes with a consortium that includes Chevron, Capital TI and Qatar’s UCC.
Iraq Oil plans advanced after the Iraqi cabinet approved a preliminary agreement to study major strategic oil export pipeline projects.
According to a cabinet statement, the Basra Oil Company will sign a heads of agreement and a non-disclosure agreement with a consortium that includes US companies Capital TI and Chevron, as well as Qatar’s UCC.
Pipeline routes under review
The consortium will prepare technical and financial feasibility studies for several proposed export routes.
The routes under consideration include Basra–Haditha–Kirkuk–Ceyhan and Basra–Haditha–Baniyas.
The studies will compare the technical and commercial viability of each option before any further decisions are made.
No binding commitments
The Iraqi cabinet said the agreements are preliminary in nature.
Furthermore, the approvals do not create any final financial or contractual obligations for Iraq’s Oil Ministry.
Officials said the studies will help assess future options for expanding the country’s oil export infrastructure before any formal agreements are signed.
