Rashid Ansari-Kian, head of drilling engineering and EPD project manager at the Exploration Directorate, said the project was carried out in two independent phases and, in addition to drilling and restoring the 10 wells, added roughly 30,000 barrels to daily oil output.

He said the project also included procurement of specialized equipment and materials for four to six wells. Despite technical complexities in the Fahlian reservoirs and wells, along with constraints in sourcing some specialized equipment, the first phase was completed and delivered on schedule using domestic manpower and targeted procurement, he said.

Ansari-Kian said the client's satisfaction with the first phase's performance led to the awarding of the second phase, which began in November 2024. Drilling of the phase's newest well is now underway after a rig was installed at the designated site.

Production gains

Ansari-Kian said the two phases combined have increased daily oil production by about 30,000 barrels and given the company experience in integrated management of engineering, procurement and drilling.

He also announced acidizing operations on 30 wells in western Karun, carried out under a separate contract with the Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC) to improve well productivity and boost output.

Expanding drilling operations

Ansari-Kian listed rig supply and drilling services at the Bibi Hakimeh and Shadegan fields among the directorate's other activities, noting that technical and operational conditions at those fields have added complexity to operations.

He said four drilling rigs were supplied to the National Iranian South Oil Company, increasing drilling capacity and the pace of operations at oil fields. These rigs, alongside the fleet of the National Iranian Drilling Company, are participating in drilling new wells across various oil fields, he said.

Focus on technology, domestic manufacturing

Ansari-Kian described investment in technology, training of specialized personnel and automation of operations as priorities for the drilling industry. He said that despite sanctions, some of the specialized equipment and parts needed have been supplied through domestic manufacturers and cooperation with Asian countries.

He said resolving operational issues, using the capacity of the specialized workforce and expanding technical and industrial cooperation are essential to sustaining stable oil production.

On the project's continuation, he said a third phase could move forward if NIOC approves updated rate schedules.