Soroush, NIOC Top Investment Priority
Soroush oil field is known to be the largest offshore oil field in Iran. It started production in 2001 after development by Shell. Now it needs enhanced recovery technology as its production has fallen. With a 10% increase in its recovery rate, the field would see its recoverable oil output increase by about 1 billion barrels, which would be valued at $60 billion at current market prices.
National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) named Soroush with 14 billion barrels of oil in place as one of choices for investment under the terms of the newly developed “Iran Petroleum Contract” (IPC).
Iran hopes to use major oil companies’ investment and technology across the globe in order to lift output from its mature fields which are mainly aged above 50.
Soroush field was discovered in 1962. After a first well was drilled in this field, it started production at the rate of 14,000 b/d from its Kajdomi layer. The field was severely damaged during the Iraqi war on Iran (1980-1988) and its production was subsequently halted.
Renovation and development of the field started in early 2000. The field started production anew in early 2002. However, like most Iranian oil fields, Soroush’s output went on a downward trend in 2005.
Although known as the largest oil field run by the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), Soroush is among the oldest. Developing this ageing field would require modern technologies.
The Soroush field’s crude oil is a category of crude oils produced in Iran and the world. The oil from Soroush along with the oil extracted from the adjacent Norouz field is transferred to the Persian Gulf floating terminal before being sold to customers. One of the main properties of the Soroush platform is that it simultaneously produces and exports its oil and gas. It is also among few platforms where associated petroleum gas non-flaring is under way. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Americans and the Italians intended to develop Soroush field for oil recovery.
During a conference held in Tehran a couple of years ago to introduce Iranian fields which need foreign investment and technology, Soroush had been introduced as the largest IOOC-run oil field.
IOOC recently signed an MOU with Sahand University of Technology for enhanced recovery from the Soroush field. The Netherlands’ Panterra was also hired as foreign partner to the project.
NIOC officials say this field would have a 5% recovery rate under normal conditions, which is lower than in other fields. Therefore, by carrying out enhanced recovery projects using the state-of-the-art technologies, the Soroush recovery rate will increase by 10-15%, which would mean between 1 and 1.5 billion barrels of extra oil.
Under this 10-year plan, universities will be committed to cooperate with foreign research institutes and consultants on research work with a view to enhanced recovery.
Miscible and immiscible gas injection, as well as chemical injection are envisaged to enhance recovery from Soroush field.
Officials say a roadmap is being drawn up for enhanced recovery from Soroush.
Iran hopes to use the experience of other fields with heavy crude oil and high viscosity in Soroush field.