The National Iranian Drilling Company, a subsidiary of National Iranian Oil Company is able and willing to undertake drilling operations and subsidiary services overseas, says the managing director of the company.
“We are having constructive talks with countries in the region, including Iraq, for future collaboration. The results of the meetings will be announced soon,” Abdollah Mousavi said without providing details.
The role and significance of the NIDC is evident in joint oilfields, namely South Azadegan in Khuzestan Province, along the Iraq border, Azar in Ilam Province and South Pars, the world's largest gas field shared by Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf, ILNA reported at the weekend.
Mousavi added that NIDC tasks also cover support for domestic manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services. "Using products made by local knowledge-based firms is among our priorities.”
He referred to a recent contract with the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research of Khuzestan Province that has indigenized rock drill bits, based on which it will produce 830 pieces of the oil drilling bits for the NIOC.
The Oil Ministry has recently taken measures to boost domestic manufacturing of oil equipment to help reduce imports and the outflow of foreign currency.
Known as one of the key players in the Middle East oil and gas drilling operations, NIDC is involved also in exploration and development of oil and gas wells.
It undertakes both offshore and onshore drilling contracts and provides almost 90% of drilling services needed by domestic energy companies.
