Mehran Makvandi, during a joint meeting with the head of NIOC’s Exploration Directorate on Tuesday, outlined the capabilities and resources of the NIDC and expressed the company’s readiness to strengthen and expand cooperation in executing exploration projects.

Makvandi noted that several drilling rigs from the company’s fleet are currently operational in Ardabil, Golestan, and Fars provinces, drilling exploration wells under the supervision of NIOC’s Exploration Directorate. He added that the NIDC is prepared to collaborate on future projects by providing rigs and ancillary services.

Highlighting the efforts of the Ministry of Petroleum and the CEO of NIOC to strengthen the NIDC, Makvandi emphasized that plans to modernize and upgrade the drilling fleet and technical service equipment are underway. He stated that the realization of these plans, along with the utilization of skilled and efficient human resources, will lead to expanded operations, accelerated drilling projects, and further growth for the company.

Need for streamlined contracts, faster drilling activities

Mohyedin Jafari, head of NIOC’s Exploration Directorate, also spoke at the meeting, detailing the directorate’s development plans. He noted that the NIDC has maintained a close relationship with the exploration sector since its establishment, contributing to the drilling of numerous exploration wells and the stabilization of oil and gas fields such as Azadegan, Namavaran, South Pars, and Arvand.

Jafari pointed out that meetings have been held with the CEOs of the National Iranian South Oil Company and the Arvandan Oil and Gas Company, highlighting the existing and potential exploration capacities within their operational areas. He stressed that synergy and collaboration among these entities will enable specialized evaluation and pursuit of these opportunities.

Jafari described the NIDC’s role as crucial in achieving the oil industry’s goals of maintaining, preserving, and increasing production. He emphasized the need for optimal use of the company’s facilities, equipment, and technical expertise.

Jafari also underscored the importance of streamlining contracts and accelerating drilling activities. He mentioned that during joint meetings with the CEO of NIOC, they called for collaboration among legal, investment, integrated planning, and exploration management teams to revise contracts with the aim of speeding up drilling operations.

He further outlined the directorate’s vision, stating that the upcoming plan includes drilling 50 wells, which will require increasing the number of drilling rigs from seven to 12.