Iran NIDC Using Domestic Knowhow, Goods

In line with efforts to expand the scope of its activity in offshore and onshore oilfields, the National Iranian Drilling Company will start operating its third domestically-manufactured drilling rig soon, the company’s managing director said. “Fath 73 is the third hi-tech system made by the Tehran-based Academic Center for Education and will soon become operational in oilfields,” Hamidreza Golpayegani was also quoted as saying by IRNA. The NIDC chief said the use of domestic firms’ knowhow, goods and services are high priorities for promoting knowledge-based firms. Referring to the rig’s technical features, Golpayegani added that the system, built at a cost of US$20 million, can dig up to 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). - Financial Tribune