The managing director of the National Iranian Drilling Company (NIDC) explained the outlook for the development of the drilling industry in the country, and said: "The most important global indicator in the field of drilling is the reduction of unproductive times; so, we have reduced this indicator from 21 percent to about 9.6 percent and set a goal to reach below three percent."Mehran Makvandi said that in the five-year outlook, the modernization of the onshore and offshore drilling fleet, the development of offshore drilling in the Persian Gulf oil fields, and the upgrading of technical service equipment and their integration are priorities.Regarding digital developments in the company, he stated: "Digitalization of drilling processes, from design and monitoring to operation analysis and well data management, is one of the main axes of the company's future vision; this approach will lead to reduced errors, faster decision-making, economic savings, and greater safety."In addition to upgrading equipment, strengthening cooperation with scientific centers and knowledge-based companies, developing human resources, and increasing competitiveness in the international market are also among the company's strategic priorities in the 5-year outlook, the official added.The NIDC managing director has also referred to the company's move towards domestic production of the equipment, and said: "One of the strategic priorities of the National Iranian Drilling Company is to increase the share of domestic manufacturing.”“In this regard, cooperation has been developed with companies such as Fajr Shiraz Complex, which has experience in manufacturing key components of drilling rigs. The project to build the third drilling rig in the country with a savings of seven million dollars is an example of these measures", Makvandi added.According to him, prioritization is based on the operational needs of the fields, the type of projects, and domestic capacity, although the lack of some technical infrastructure, the need for technology transfer, and the timely supply of quality parts are some of the challenges on the localization path. However, the company is determined to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence.Makvandi further referred to the NIDC’s contracts with knowledge-based companies and added: "Nine one-megawatt generator motors and four drilling fluid purification centrifuges, which were previously imported, will be manufactured inside the country, and the first samples will be delivered by the end of the [current Iranian] year (March 20, 2026)."He also noted: “A specific roadmap has been developed for utilizing these technologies, which includes continuous cooperation with science and technology parks, universities, knowledge-based companies, and the formation of specialized working groups to evaluate and implement technologies in field operations.”The NIDC managing director has also stated that purchasing 15 new drilling rigs for the oil and gas industry is on the agenda.Makvandi said that a plan to purchase 15 onshore drilling rigs with different capacities and a value of over $800 million has been prepared, which is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Oil and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).Pointing out that last year, the company was able to drill, repair, and complete 100 oil and gas wells using 62 active drilling rigs and the return of two more rigs to operational lines, he added: "Of this number, 24 were development and explanatory wells and 76 were dedicated to repair and completion operations."He attributed this success to careful planning, interdepartmental coordination, increased operational efficiency, and strengthened integrated technical services, and noted: “This performance is a significant leap compared to previous years, given the economic and sanctions conditions.” (ICE TEHERAN)

Fonte notizia: Tehran Times