Drilling operations continuing in joint gas field with Qatar

Tehran, Nov 22, IRNA – Head of the offshore drilling operation of the National Iranian Drilling Company outlining the latest condition for development of Sepand joint gas field with Qatar said: “Drilling of the exploratory well in Sepand gas filed is progressing according to the schedule and at present we are in the depth of over 3600 meters of the field.” Eskandar Monjazi told IRNA on Saturday that the field is situated close to South Pars, Golshan and Ferdos fields, 110 km from the mainland and 250 km from Kish Island. Meanwhile, Ghadir Ali Fakouri, head of the Persian Gulf geological studies of Oil Exploration Management also told IRNA that the main part of this joint field which is situated in Iran-Qatar water border is within the territory of the neighboring country. Fakouri further remarked that the field was identified in 1372 (1993-94) but due to some ambiguities about its condition the drilling operations were not conducted until it was included in the exploration list and transferred to the Italian Edison Gas Company. However, the company after one a half years of activity abandoned the project due to intensification of the sanctions, Fakouri said, adding that the operation was resumed by domestic experts. He said this gas field is among drilling priorities, adding that other information about the field and exact assessment of its capacity will be announced upon completion of drilling operations. As for the delay in exploration of gas fields, Fakouri said in the past gas was not in priority but with the change in conditions and promotion of gas position in energy basket of the country exploration of gas fields was launched. Sepand gas field is under drilling operation by the National Drilling Company and Shahid Rajaei offshore drilling rig is in charge of drilling the first exploratory well in this field./end