Iraq targets 3m bpd oil output
Iraq expects oil production from its southern fields to return above three million barrels per day (bpd) within one to two months.
Output had fallen following disruption linked to the US-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure.
Basra exports previously reached 3.4 million bpd.
Officials said production is rising by 250,000 bpd, with further increases planned soon toward two million bpd and gradual export recovery continuing.
Wabag JV lands Kuwait SWRO plant deal
VA Tech Wabag, through its joint venture with Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding Company (Heisco), has secured a KD114.3 million ($372 million) contract from Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy for the Doha SWRO Desalination Plant (Recarbonation System) Stage II project.
The scope covers design, engineering, construction and commissioning of a 60 millions of Imperial Gallons per day (MIGD) seawater reverse osmosis plant.
The facility will include solar PV integration and a five-year O&M period.
Ampo wins Qatar HIPPS contract
Ampo Poyam Valves supplied a complete HIPPS ball valve package for Qatar’s North Field Production Sustainability offshore gas project, developed by QatarEnergy and Saipem.
The scope included four 14x12-inch Class 2500 fast-closing (0.5s) pneumatic valves. A full integrated factory acceptance test in Idiazabal validated system performance.
The project showcased AMPO’s Integrated Smart Solutions capabilities and expertise in high-integrity safety systems for demanding offshore applications and critical energy infrastructure projects globally.
Expro secures UAE well testing contract
Expro, a provider of energy services, has secured a two-year contract with a major UAE operator to deliver well testing and flowback services for unconventional wells in the UAE.
The contract covers the provision of surface well testing services, equipment, and operational support for the operators drilling programme.
By deploying Expro’s advanced well testing technologies and proven operational expertise, the project helps accelerate resource development, reduce operational risk, and provide safe, reliable, and efficient testing solutions in challenging environments.
Oman awards Block 80
OMAN’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed a concession agreement for Block 80 with OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) and Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC), both owning equal rights.
Block 80 is located in the Musandam Governorate, spanning an area of approximately 5,737 sq km.
The two-phased exploration programme requires total mandatory estimated investments of no less than $90 million.
Empower opens smart control centre
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) inaugurated its advanced Command Control Centre at its Dubai headquarters, marking a major digital infrastructure milestone.
It integrates artificial intelligence, IoT, and big data analytics to monitor and manage district cooling operations across Dubai 24/7 with 99.99 per cent reliability.
The centre enables predictive maintenance, reduces downtime, improves energy efficiency, and supports sustainability goals while integrating SCADA systems and real-time dashboards for strategic decision-making capabilities.
GCC accelerates renewables
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are rapidly expanding renewable energy as part of long-term economic diversification plans, targeting 165 GW of capacity by 2030, though only about 24 GW has been installed so far, according to Rystad Energy.
Solar dominates new development, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while wind remains limited.
Despite billions in planned investment, analysts warn that progress is uneven across the region, with Saudi Arabia leading the expansion and Kuwait significantly lagging behind targets.
ASRY delivers 200th rig project
The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) has marked the completion of its 200th offshore rig project with the delivery of the VALARIS 250 (Bob Palmer).
The ceremony, attended by ASRY and Valaris executives, highlighted the company’s offshore achievements.
The Gorilla Class rig, among the world’s largest, was completed with over 700,000 LTI-free manhours, underscoring ASRY’s commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence across its offshore projects globally.
Tecnicas lands Mideast EPC deals
TEcnicas Reunidas has secured two major engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts for upstream oil and gas production facilities in the Middle East from a national oil company, strengthening its regional portfolio.
The scope includes engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning support for oilfield infrastructure aimed at boosting production capacity and efficiency.
The awards align with the company’s 2026 guidance and highlight the Middle East as a key growth market for the Madrid-based engineering firm.
Wood wins Aramco approval
Wood has secured a five-year Long-Term Agreement (LTA) with Aramco, with an option to extend by three years, to support major in-Kingdom capital projects in Saudi Arabia.
The contract covers engineering, design and project management services across oil and gas, refining, petrochemicals and lower-carbon hydrogen initiatives aligned with Aramco’s strategy.
The agreement strengthens a 30-year partnership, with around 900 in-Kingdom employees working alongside the UK office to deliver engineering design services for key projects.