In line with efforts to play a more active role in international drilling ventures, the National Iranian Drilling Company, a subsidiary of National Iranian Oil Company, is negotiating with a number of foreign firms in Iraq, Oman and Armenia, NIDC's deputy head said. "Talks are underway with state-owned Basra and Missan oil and gas companies in Iraq," Mohammad Reza Takaidi was also quoted as saying by ILNA.
According to the official, NIDC has participated in Agip's tender in Iraq and hopes to win it.
"Securing the company's footprints in oil- and gas-rich states like Iraq, Oman and Qatar tops NIDC's priority list," he said, adding that joining hands with multinationals and sharing expertise with them can help the company make its mark in international markets but also generate more revenues.
The official noted that the company is ready to prepare the ground for training and market expansion.
Iran and Iraq had reached an agreement on drilling cooperation in late 2013, whereby NIDC undertook training for Iraqi companies using electronic systems as well as fluid mechanics engineering. The official said his company has participated in tenders held by the Italian giant oil company Eni for drilling projects in Iraq, the results of which are yet to be announced.
"The firm has also taken part in oil and drilling tenders in Central Asian countries and is negotiating with some Russian, Polish and Norwegian companies for undertaking drilling projects," he added.
Takaidi expressed hope that the company can sign new contracts in the next three months so that the rigs that had to be taken out of use can start to operate again.
NIDC has 75 drilling rigs, 68 of which are being used in the joint oilfields, namely South Azadegan, 80 km west of Ahvaz in Khuzestan Province along the Iran-Iraq border, Azar in Ilam Province as well as South Pars, the world's largest gas field shared between Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf.
The state-owned company is responsible for drilling rigs operated by the National Iranian South Oil Company, Petroleum Engineering and Development Company, Iranian Offshore Oil Company and Iranian Central Oil Fields Company.
