Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO) has acquired a 15% stake in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited (BP ECKL), strengthening the partnership behind the redevelopment of Iraq’s giant Kirkuk oil and gas fields.
The investment follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed between BP and Türkiye’s national oil company earlier this year and comes after ConocoPhillips acquired a 42% interest in BP ECKL. Following the transaction, BP will retain a 43% majority stake in the company.
The Kirkuk redevelopment project is one of the Middle East’s most significant upstream developments, with an estimated resource potential of up to 20 billion barrels of oil equivalent.
BP secured approval to redevelop the Kirkuk fields in 2025 and is working alongside Iraq’s North Oil Company (NOC) and North Gas Company (NGC) to rehabilitate existing oil and gas assets, expand production and upgrade gas processing infrastructure.
The initial development phase targets more than 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent from the Baba and Avanah domes of the Kirkuk field, as well as the nearby Bai Hassan, Jambur and Khabbaz fields. The contract also includes additional exploration opportunities aimed at unlocking further hydrocarbon resources.
Drawing on its experience at Iraq’s Rumaila field, BP plans to introduce advanced technologies such as real-time monitoring, digital surveillance and data-driven production optimisation to improve operational efficiency and maximise recovery.
BP Chief Executive Officer Meg O’Neill said TPAO’s participation strengthens the partnership and supports the next phase of redevelopment, adding that the Kirkuk project represents a world-class resource capable of supporting Iraq’s long-term energy ambitions.
The expanded partnership is expected to accelerate field redevelopment, increase production capacity and reinforce Iraq’s position as a key oil and gas producer in the Middle East.
