A delegation from Russia's oil company Tatneft and the National Iranian Drilling Company's officials explored grounds for cooperation and undertaking joint drilling ventures.
According to the National Iranian Oil Company's website, the two sides met in Ahvaz last week and discussed technology transfer. "Tatneft, Russia's fifth largest oil firm, is eager to collaborate with NIDC in launching engineering, procurement, construction and financing as well as engineering, procurement, and construction initiatives," NIDC Managing Director Sepehr Sepehri said.
Commenting on NIDC's interest to join hands with international enterprises and use their valuable experience, Sepehri noted that NIDC is preparing to play a more active role in developing drilling projects overseas.
"We are planning to hold talks with Iraqi companies, including Iraqi Drilling Company for drilling projects … NIDC is also ready to prepare the ground for training and market expansion," he noted.
The official added that his company has participated in tenders held by the Italian giant oil company Eni for drilling projects in Iraq, the results of which remain to be announced.
"The company has 73 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," he said, adding that rigs are normally overhauled by domestic engineers.
Commenting on the company's training program, he noted that NIDC's staff are trained in Aberdeen Drilling School, a specialist well control and well engineering training provider offering internationally certified drilling and well intervention courses worldwide.
NIDC is responsible for drilling rigs operated by the National Iranian South Oil Company, Petroleum Engineering and Development Company, Iranian Offshore Oil Company, Iranian Central Oil Fields Company, Arvandan Oil and Gas Company and Pars Oil and Gas Company.
