NIOC to resume offshore exploration after five-year hiatus
The head of exploration at the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) announced that the company will resume offshore exploration activities after a five-year pause, beginning with seismic surveys at the Nosrat field.
Mohyeddin Jafari stated that the exploration department has not conducted any offshore drilling since the Iranian year of 1398 (2019) but will now restart operations following the signing of contracts to supply drilling rigs, a first under the current administration, Shana reported. Speaking at a ceremony on Saturday to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) and two contracts with North Drilling company for onshore and offshore rigs, Jafari emphasized that the NIOC exploration department’s scope of activity spans the entire geographical area of the country.
He noted that due to past limitations in securing drilling rigs, the focus had been on onshore operations for geological, geophysical, and drilling studies. Jafari highlighted that since the 2nd Development Plan, the exploration department has averaged six drilling rigs per year. However, with the support of the NIOC CEO, this number is expected to increase significantly by next year. The MoU with IOOC aims to facilitate joint exploration activities, including seismic surveys at the Nosrat field, leveraging existing infrastructure. Jafari added that the exploration department plans to utilize the capabilities of NIOC subsidiaries to expand exploration efforts, aiming to double the number of drilling rigs to 12.
This increase, he said, will accelerate the discovery of new fields both onshore and offshore, reducing the time needed to identify new reserves. Jafari also mentioned that Sina Energy Holding will soon begin offshore exploration drilling in the Persian Gulf.
He expressed hope that the company, given its financial, equipment, and human resources capabilities, will also enter the geophysics sector, fostering greater collaboration and success in the field.
During the event, Jafari signed the MoU with Ahmadreza Rasti, CEO of IOOC, to conduct joint exploration activities, including drilling, seismic surveys, and geophysical studies. Additionally, two contracts for offshore drilling rigs and an amendment to increase the number of onshore rigs were signed between Jafari and Rouhollah Abdi, acting CEO of North Drilling company.