Hamidreza Shafiei-Makvand highlighted NIDC’s role in executing the country’s drilling projects, noting that as a subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), NIDC plays a pivotal role with its fleet of 74 drilling rigs (71 onshore and three offshore).

He said the drilling rig productivity rate reached 78% in the first quarter of the Iranian calendar year 1404 (started March 2025), showing significant growth compared to last year’s average of 68%. The rigs operate at various operational levels, he added.

Regarding the company’s fleet, Shafiei Moghadam noted that 64 rigs with 2,000-horsepower capacity, five with 1,000-horsepower, three with 1,500-horsepower, and one with 3,000-horsepower are currently active. Additionally, one of the company’s unique offshore rigs is diagonally installed on the Iranian Offshore Oil Company’s platform, a rare technical feat in the country.

Reduction in standby time: A historic record 

Shafiei-Makvand said NIDC operates in oil-rich provinces such as Khuzestan, Fars, Ilam, Kermanshah, and Khorasan, with 64 rigs currently active. The National Iranian South Oil Company holds 42 of these rigs, while the rest serve other contractors, including the Iranian Offshore Oil Company, Arvandan Oil & Gas Company, and EPC/EPD projects.

When asked about the number of wells drilled this year, he said 41 wells were completed and delivered to clients in the first four months, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period last year (28 wells). Last year, 100 wells were drilled in total—24 for development and 76 for workover operations.

He added that standby time decreased from 14.6% last year to 9.1%, a historic record for the company, attributing the improvement to process optimization, continuous rig performance monitoring, and innovative solutions.

Overcoming sanctions through domestic capabilities 

In response to a question about NIDC’s equipment modernization plans, Shafiei-Makvand said the company is implementing a comprehensive program to refurbish inactive rigs, conduct overhauls, and upgrade rigs with new technologies using allocated funds. The goal is to reduce equipment downtime, boost productivity, and align technical standards with international benchmarks.

He noted that about 17,500 people work at NIDC, which relies on skilled manpower to meet the country’s drilling needs. Training programs are also underway to enhance employees’ technical expertise.

Despite international sanctions, a significant portion of drilling equipment and parts have been domestically manufactured, he said, emphasizing that collaboration with local contractors and producers has been key to the industry’s stability and growth.

In closing, Shafiei-Makvand thanked NIDC employees, many of whom work in remote locations away from their families, and expressed hope that their efforts would be recognized with continued support from oil industry officials.