Basra Oil Company (BOC) announced today that it will assume full operatorship of the West Qurna 2 oilfield, marking a significant milestone in Iraq’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national management of its strategic energy assets.

The transition reflects the Ministry of Oil’s long-term strategy to enhance local operational capabilities, improve efficiency, and ensure sustainable development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources. Basra Oil Company will oversee all upstream activities at West Qurna 2, including production operations, field development, health and safety management, and environmental stewardship.

BOC confirmed that the handover process will be conducted in phases to ensure operational continuity and production stability. The company emphasized that existing staff, contractors, and partners will continue to play a key role during the transition, with a strong focus on knowledge transfer and workforce development.

“Assuming operatorship of West Qurna 2 represents a major step forward for Basra Oil Company and the Iraqi oil sector as a whole,” a BOC spokesperson said. “This move underscores our commitment to building national expertise, maximizing field performance, and delivering long-term value to the Iraqi people.”

West Qurna 2 is one of Iraq’s largest producing oilfields and a cornerstone of the country’s export capacity. Under BOC’s leadership, the field will continue to operate in line with national production plans while prioritizing safety, environmental protection, and operational excellence.

Basra Oil Company reiterated its commitment to working closely with government stakeholders and industry partners to ensure a smooth transition and to support Iraq’s broader energy and economic objectives.

News archive: Iraq