Iraq signed a contract with China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering (CPP) to build a 950-kilometer seawater pipeline network. The project will sustain southern oilfields and was announced by Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani. He described it as a cornerstone of Iraq’s long-term energy strategy.
The plan begins with a capacity of 5 million barrels per day (bpd) of treated seawater. It will supply Rumaila, Zubair, West Qurna 1, West Qurna 2, and Majnoon. Later stages will extend to Maysan and Dhi Qar. Capacity could reach 7–8 million bpd.
Abdul Ghani stressed that seawater injection is vital for aging reservoirs. Many fields risk lower output without it. He added, “Channeling seawater for industry would free river and groundwater resources for farming and household use.”
The project is part of a $27 billion deal signed in 2023 with TotalEnergies. That agreement also covers gas capture, renewable power, and expansion of the Ratawi field. Together, the projects aim to stabilize production and reduce environmental strain.
Iraq is the second-largest OPEC producer and relies on oil for over 90% of state revenue. Experts warn that without water injection, southern output could fall sharply. The seawater pipeline is seen as a safeguard for both production and fiscal stability.
By choosing China, Iraq deepens its strategic energy partnerships. Beijing has become both a customer and an infrastructure partner in Iraq’s oil sector. Analysts say this cooperation could expand China’s role in the Middle East energy market.
For Iraq, the signed project is more than technical. It reflects a drive to modernize oil, secure long-term revenues, and balance growth with sustainability.