A dozen specially selected sailors from the Iraqi navy are set to carry out oil defence training operations in Louisiana this weekend.

The Associated Press reports that the cadre will travel to Morgan City to meet with training specialists from Swiftships Shipbuilders, which has been awarded a contract to build nine patrol boats for the Iraqi navy.

In addition to the $180 million contract to build the boats, the company has also been awarded a $23 million contract to train the sailors in using the vessels to protect offshore oil platforms.

Under existing plans, the Iraqi navy will take full responsibility for protecting its offshore rigs and platforms from 2011, when the US military will leave the country after eight years of occupation.

The US military is also committing troops to train the Iraqi Oil Police, which will take responsibility for onshore oilfield security when US troops depart next year.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development