After Export Restart, DNO Targets Biggest Kurdistan Expansion in Years

Core Viewpoint - DNO is initiating its most ambitious drilling campaign in the Kurdistan Region in over two years, with plans to drill eight new wells at the Tawke oil field, coinciding with the resumption of regional exports after a prolonged shutdown due to a pipeline dispute [1][4]. Group 1: Drilling Campaign and Production Goals - DNO has mobilized two heavy drilling rigs to Duhok province, targeting a 25% increase in production capacity, which translates to approximately 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) once the new wells are operational [2]. - The drilling activities are set to continue through 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to expanding production at the Tawke field, which has already produced over 500 million barrels [2][3]. Group 2: Operational Context and Challenges - The drilling activities were previously halted in 2023 due to a legal dispute affecting the Kurdistan export pipeline, which resumed operations on September 27, 2025, under a new trilateral framework [4]. - Since the restart, more than 4 million barrels have been shipped through the Ceyhan terminal, with current production levels averaging between 200,000 and 205,000 bpd [5]. - Despite the operational challenges, including drone attacks attributed to militia groups, DNO has managed to maintain uninterrupted operations and is focused on long-term investment in the region [5][6].