According to the Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC), Sirous Aqajeri, head of the development and production enhancement plan for the Aban and Paydar-e Gharb fields, stated that radial drilling is one of the most innovative drilling methods globally, with advanced countries—particularly Russia—leading its application. T

he technology is now being deployed in an Aban field well through a partnership with Russian company ZNV and an selected Iranian firm.

Aqajeri added that this method enhances oil production by reworking and improving existing wells without the need for new drilling, making it highly cost-effective.

Emphasizing the project’s strategic importance, he noted that radial drilling increases the well’s contact area with the reservoir, bypasses water-bearing zones, and ultimately improves the purity of extracted oil. Reducing water cut is also a key success metric for the project.

The operation is being conducted at a depth of approximately 3,000 meters, with a diameter of 2.75 inches and lengths of 14 to 25 meters in multiple directions. If successful, the method could be extended to other wells in Iran’s shared oil fields.

Technology transfer, localization prioritized 

Aqajeri stressed that the project includes full knowledge transfer, personnel training, execution, and performance evaluation under an IPC contract, serving as a successful model for the oil industry’s value chain—from engineering to implementation and technology transfer.

Geological studies of the Aban field indicate that radial drilling in the selected well is expected to increase production. Due to the limited investment required, costs are projected to be recovered in less than a year.

The radial drilling project in the Aban oil field will continue until the end of June 2025. If successful, the technology could be expanded to other fields managed by the Oil Engineering and Development Company and across the Ministry of Oil.