According to NIOC, Farokh Alikhani, speaking at the 26th conference on exploration management goals and programs on Saturday, stressed the importance of adhering to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards in exploration activities.

He noted that a high workload should not lead to neglecting safety concerns. Alikhani stated that utilizing modern equipment and technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, is essential across all dimensions of the oil industry, especially in exploration.

He highlighted the need to focus on shared regions, adding that while Iran has not yet engaged in serious offshore activities, greater collaboration with companies and leveraging shared capacities could lead to significant achievements in exploration.

3D seismic survey launched in western Persian Gulf 

Mohyeddin Jafari, NIOC’s exploration director, announced the start of 3D seismic surveys in the western Persian Gulf, border marine areas, and near the Nasrat field and eastern South Pars.

He said that after a 20-year hiatus in geophysical exploration operations, 2D and 3D seismic surveys will soon begin in these areas, following the necessary permits.

Jafari emphasized the need for a shift in exploration strategies, noting that the volume of discoverable reserves has decreased. He stated that about 80% of exploration reservoirs currently hold up to 300 million barrels of oil, while only 20% contain more than 1 billion barrels, which come with higher risks. To outpace regional competitors, he said, Iran must focus on discovering fields with capacities exceeding 1 billion barrels of oil.

Jafari outlined changes in exploration priorities as a key agenda for the 14th administration, including a focus on less-explored resources such as stratigraphic and combination traps, deeper horizons with high temperature and pressure, and unconventional resources.

He expressed hope that these plans could be implemented through gaining technology, accumulating experience, and collaborating with foreign companies.