TEHRAN (PEDCO) -- Alireza Sadeghi Abdollahi, CEO of PetroIran Development Company, has announced the commencement of drilling for the first well in the second package of the 9-well Infill Drilling Development Project at the South Pars gas field. The project aims to be completed in record time, addressing the country’s gas imbalance.
Sadeghi stressed the importance of this project, which is being meticulously managed and monitored daily by Drilling Company International (DCI), a subsidiary of PetroIran Development Company.
The goal is to complete the first well and start gas production as quickly as possible.
Sadeghi noted that one of the project's major challenges is securing the necessary equipment.
He emphasized two key issues: first, while supporting domestic manufacturers is a priority, the sheer volume of ongoing projects in Iran often surpasses the capacity of local suppliers, leading to delays in securing essential drilling equipment.
Secondly, some specialized items are not produced domestically and must be imported, which further complicates procurement due to international sanctions, requiring additional time for sourcing and payment processes.
To prevent delays in the drilling operations and ensure the timely completion of the wells, Sadeghi explained that PetroIran has secured the necessary equipment for the first well on a temporary basis, thanks to the cooperation of Pars Oil and Gas Company (POGC).
In preparation for the long-term success of the project, Sadeghi added that public tenders have been conducted to procure the required equipment, both from domestic and foreign manufacturers. Proposals from contractors have been received, and final decisions are expected in the coming days.
Another key challenge was the transportation of the DCI-2 drilling rig to platform SPD12B. Thanks to the collaboration with POGC and Iranian Offshore Oil Company, the rig was moved without significant delays, overcoming logistical hurdles and complex environmental conditions in the Persian Gulf.
Sadeghi praised the efforts of the technical team, who managed the challenging task of relocating the rig in accordance with all technical and environmental considerations.
The DCI-2 rig was successfully installed at SPD12B in July 2024, and drilling commenced shortly after.
The CEO also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between engineering teams and Pars Oil and Gas Company to assess operational risks and develop a comprehensive drilling plan.
This rigorous planning ensured that the first phase of drilling (32-inch hole) was completed in less than four days, followed by successful casing and cementing operations.
Sadeghi further noted that subsequent phases, including the 24-inch hole drilling, casing, cementing, and installation of surface equipment, were executed efficiently and on schedule.
The project is now progressing to the final stages, with the 16-inch hole successfully drilled and completed.
In closing, Sadeghi expressed his deep gratitude to the teams at PetroIran Development Company, Drilling Company International, and especially Dr. Hamidreza Saghafi for their relentless efforts in realizing this vital national project.
The successful completion of these 9 wells will significantly boost Iran’s gas production and contribute to the country's energy security.