Vahid Mashayekhi, head of enhanced oil recovery at the National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC), stated during the session that NIOC plans to secure the necessary funding for research and technology projects, though this effort faces challenges.

He emphasized that reforms in permits and contract frameworks, particularly amid currency market fluctuations, are essential. These reforms could help develop specialized oil software markets. Mashayekhi highlighted the importance of focusing on cutting-edge technologies in field operations, which require meticulous planning and attention.

Mashayekhi noted that due to the company’s vast scale and technological diversity, there is a need for organized software and hardware integration.

He explained that the oil production system is divided into three parts: reservoir, wellbore, and surface. Technologies should be categorized based on reservoir-centric and wellbore-centric approaches to ensure systematic outputs for interested companies.

He also stressed the importance of integrating the oil production system, mentioning that the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry has been working toward this goal through comprehensive well-centric and reservoir-centric studies. These studies aim to identify systemic issues and improve the performance of NISOC.

Mashayekhi emphasized that technological solutions must align with industry needs. Advanced technologies in drilling and production engineering are essential, and the development of necessary software and hardware must be prioritized. Research achievements and new technologies should be systematically shared with all relevant companies and organizations.

Risk-reducing exploration technologies

Mojtaba Sediq-Arabani, head of exploration research and technology at NIOC, stated that Iran has been a pioneer in many technological methods and must maintain this leadership. Exploration is inherently risky, especially in new fields, making risk-reducing technologies crucial. He stressed the need to align research portfolios with industry needs and address technological issues at various levels.

Sediq-Arabani highlighted the importance of focusing on upstream technological needs, including oil and gas exploration in deeper reservoirs, high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) environments, fractured and carbonate reservoirs, and unconventional resources.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in shale oil, and Iran should also focus on deep, high-pressure exploration targets, increasing speed and accuracy while minimizing environmental impacts.

He emphasized the need to implement technological solutions in geophysics, geology, drilling, petroleum engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI). Projects in subsurface imaging and machine learning for seismic data interpretation are underway. Arabani also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of technology adoption across NIOC and its subsidiaries, with a focus on AI and digital transformation in exploration.

Continuous technology implementation in Arvandan Oil & Gas Company contracts

Issa Noviri, head of research and development at Arvandan Oil & Gas Company, highlighted that the North Azadegan field is the only field in Iran where miscible gas injection has been implemented from the start.

This field is considered intelligent due to its advanced safety, monitoring, and transfer systems. Noviri noted that Arvandan has been continuously implementing technology in its contracts since 2022, overcoming challenges and achieving significant results.

He mentioned that Arvandan has purchased the only mobile processing unit (Skid Mounted) in the country, increasing processing capacity in one of the West Karoun fields from 1,000 to 58,000 barrels per day through technological advancements and design changes. Noviri expressed readiness to share these experiences with other NIOC subsidiaries.

60% of production linked to optimal drilling performance

Mohammadali Beygzadeh, head of research, technology, and engineering at the National Iranian Drilling Company (NIDC), stated that 60% of production is a result of optimal drilling performance.

He emphasized that the drilling industry should not be limited to NIDC and called for greater attention from the Ministry of Oil and its subsidiaries to foster innovation, research, and AI integration.

Beygzadeh highlighted the need for collaboration among subsidiaries, shorter project timelines, and streamlined internal processes to drive transformation.

He mentioned ongoing projects, including the construction of drilling rig generators and centrifuges, as well as the development of AI-based software for drilling operations.

He concluded by stressing the importance of localizing equipment and integrating AI to enhance efficiency, noting that AI systems cannot perform effectively without reliable, locally produced equipment.