Iraq is to establish its first reservoir study center in Baghdad to create a geophysical and geological database for the country's oil fields. The center, established by the oil ministry's reservoirs and field development department, should be operational by June 2005.

The move comes as BP, Exploration Consultants (ECL) and Royal Dutch/Shell are to carry out studies of Iraq's Rumaila and Kirkuk oil fields. The first stage will be implemented by by ECL, and the second outside Iraq by joint BP-Iraqi and ECL-Iraqi teams. Shell will support the oil ministry on the Kirkuk study, and finance the reservoir work.

© 2005 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)