TEHRAN (PIN) – The National Iranian Drilling Company drilled 111 oil and gas wells in the first three quarters of current Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2007), said the NIDC managing director.

Heidar Bahmani added the company had drilled 262,972 meters during the nine month period, showing a 5,967 meter growth from the corresponding time in the previous year.
“Concerning development wells, the National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC), the National Iranian Central Oil Company (NICOC), and the National Iranian Oil Company’s (NIOC) Exploration Management have respectively drilled 10, four, and two more wells during this period when compared to those in the similar time last year,” added the NIDC chief.
Bahmani said the drilling operations in phases 9 and 10 of South Pars field started in late March 2007, adding 18,124 meters had been up to now drilled, indicating a 3,675 meter increase in comparison with the targeted figure.
The NIDC has 50 onshore and offshore derricks that are carrying out the drilling operations in 10 provinces.
He added the NIDC would increase its investment by 1.05 billion dollars within the next two years.
“Due to plans and support of oil minister and National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), 23 onshore and three offshore drilling derricks were added to the NIDC’s equipment,” said the official.
The NIDC celebrated its 28th anniversary in a ceremony in Ahvaz, the capital of southern province of Khuzestan, on Dec. 22.
The ceremony was held in the amphitheater of the company, where Oil Minister Gholamhossein Nozari, National Iranian Oil Company Deputy Mohammad-Javad Assemipur, the Leader’s representative in Khuzestan Province and Ahvaz Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Jazayeri, Khuzestan Province governor general, and a number of managers and officials of affiliated companies of Petroleum Ministry were present.
Late Founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini (RA), issued a decree 28 years ago and National Iranian Drilling Company was set up on Dec. 22, 1979.
The 5th Drilling Expo was held in a parcel of land with 2,000 square meters in Ahvaz displaying the latest achievements and products of domestic manufacturers in 90 stands.