To play a more leading role in international drilling ventures, the National Iranian Drilling Company, a subsidiary of National Iranian Oil Company, is in talks with a number of foreign firms, namely Russia's oil company Tatneft, Italian giant oil company Eni and Iraqi Drilling Company.
According to Sepehr Sepehri, NIDC's managing director, securing the company's footprints in oil- and gas-rich states like Iraq, Oman and Qatar top NIDC's priority list, NIOC's website reported. According to the official, joining hands with multinationals and sharing expertise with them can help the company make its mark in international markets but also generate more revenues.
"We are planning to hold talks with Iraqi companies, including IDC, to develop joint drilling projects … NIDC is also ready to prepare the ground for training and market expansion," he said.
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. Sepehri said his company has participated in tenders held by the Italian giant oil company Eni for drilling projects in Iraq, the results of which will be announced in the near future.
"NIDC has also taken part in oil and drilling tenders in Central Asian countries and is negotiating with some Russian companies for undertaking drilling projects in the region," he added.
According to the official, 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.
Completed Operations
Referring to completed drilling operations, Sepehri noted that the firm drilled 159 oil and gas wells, including 62 developmental, 2 exploration, 8 appraisal and 87repair and production ones, during the previous fiscal that ended on March 20. The official added that of the total number of wells drilled, 23 were completed at least 568 days ahead of schedule.
"The company performed close to 44,591 meters of horizontal and directional drilling in the period," Sepehri said, adding that NIDC has 75 drilling rigs, 73 of which are being used in different oilfields.
Known as one of the leading players in oil and gas drilling industry among Middle East states, NIDC engages in the exploration, development and delineation drilling of oil and gas wells.
Its prominent role 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.
NIDC, which undertakes both offshore and onshore drilling activities, provides more than 90% of drilling services needed by domestic oil companies.
