At 18:34 local time on October 4, 2024, a significant milestone was reached in the Naft Khana (NK) seismic acquisition project on the challenging yet opportunity-filled land of Iraq—the 2D project successfully fired its first shot! Production is currently progressing steadily, injecting strong momentum into the entire project. Meanwhile, preparations for the 3D project are also in full swing, and it will soon begin blasting operations.

On July 1, 2024, local time, the Naft Khana seismic acquisition project was officially announced to be undertaken by the Iraqi Oil Exploration Company (OEC). This large-scale project involves a 2D layout extending 770 kilometers and a 3D area covering 700 square kilometers.

To ensure the smooth launch of the project, the entire team in Iraq worked tirelessly, day and night. On August 9, the camp construction was successfully completed, and key equipment, personnel, and materials were moved to the site with precise coordination, like well-placed pieces on a chessboard. Without any delay, they immediately began pre-production testing and other preparatory work, laying a solid foundation for the official start of the project.

However, the path forward is always filled with obstacles. The project encountered a series of challenging difficulties during its progress, testing the wisdom and perseverance of the project team.

Safety First

During the start of the project, it coincided with a traditional Iraqi holiday, an unexpected situation that caused a delay in the deployment of the security forces. This severely impacted the early survey line preparations of two teams, as security is crucial for the smooth execution of the project. The company immediately coordinated with the local government to allocate resources, ensuring the project could safely and smoothly proceed into the operational phase.

Overcoming Regional Challenges

The Iraq region presents unique challenges. The 2D survey lines in the southern area pass through farmland and densely populated villages during the busy irrigation and farming season, leading to numerous obstacles and a significant increase in the amount of line-shifting work. This severely impacted the progress of construction. In response, the company's management convened multiple work meetings, pragmatically addressing the issue of landmine clearance, ensuring the project could proceed smoothly.

Overcoming Adverse Weather

The official blasting was originally scheduled for October 1, but nature had other plans. A torrential downpour washed away parts of the survey line roads, and landslides buried the roads that bulldozers had cleared on the mountain, leaving the construction site in disarray. Faced with this sudden disaster, the project team showed no hesitation, swiftly taking action to repair the roads and restore the equipment layout. Through their relentless efforts, they successfully carried out the first blast amidst the difficulties, gradually bringing production back on track.

Despite the many uncertainties faced during the project, the entire team of the NK seismic acquisition project has consistently upheld a spirit of resilience and determination. Together, they have worked tirelessly, proactively addressing challenges. Unwavering in the face of difficulties, they are steadily advancing towards the set goals with firm resolve.

Since the launch of the Iraq project, all personnel involved have worked with passion and dedication, tirelessly around the clock. The firing of the first shot in this seismic acquisition project marks a significant milestone for Intercontinental Oil & Gas after more than a decade of hard work, officially entering the high-end oil market in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, and embarking on a new journey of growth and expansion!