Restoration of output from fields in the south has far exceeded initial expectations following the extensive looting of essential production infrastructure in the days after the fall of the old regime. SOC, which has so far worked closely on the US-funded Reconstruction of Iraqi Oil (RIO) programme with prime contractor Kellogg Brown & Rootto rebuild its facilities, intends to take more control of certain projects (Oil & Gas, Special Report, 19:9:03, pages 54-57).

'We have the capability to carry out our own projects and next year, depending on the availability of funds, we plan to handle some of the smaller schemes. SCOP [State Company for Oil Projects]is also helping us with some tank farm projects and pipeline work, where it has special expertise,' says Al-Lueibi.