Azerbaijani drilling company SOCAR AQS aims for projects in Iraq
BAKU. Feb 6 (Interfax) - The Azerbaijani drilling company SOCAR AQS LLC plans to drill eight wells in Turkey within the next two years and also expects to receive a contract for exploratory drilling in Iraq, the company's manager for Turkey Elvin Nasibov said.
"SOCAR AQS expanded its presence in Turkey by opening its branch SOCAR AQS Sondaj in 2019. Our first project in this country was drilling 28 wells for an underground gas storage facility on a turnkey contract for BOTAS. In addition to drilling, additional well services were provided," Nasibov said on Thursday at the IADC Drilling Caspian & Black Sea 2026 conference and exhibition.
Two of the company's drilling rigs are currently operating in Turkey, he said.
"The HH300 hydraulic rig is being used in Chalic Petroleum's projects. We have already drilled two wells and are currently working on the third well under a 'farm-in' agreement, also providing additional well services," he said.
In addition, the MR8000 mechanical rig is being used in TPAO's projects in the Southeastern Anatolian Basin. "The scope of work under the contract provides for drilling eight wells over the next two years," he said.
SOCAR AQS also plans to expand its operations in the Middle East. "Our company is participating in various tenders in the region, aiming to expand its market presence. In particular, a bid has currently been submitted for a tender with the regional private operator Crescent Petroleum (UAE) for the implementation of a '1+4' drilling project. First, one exploratory well will be drilled, and in the case of successful results and confirmation of commercial production, four more wells will be drilled," he said.
SOCAR AQS is also participating in a tender together with the Iraqi national company Basra Oil Company for drilling using rigs with a capacity of 2,000 horsepower, Nasibov said.
"The projects in Turkey and Iraq demonstrate the company's significant international experience and confirm its commitment to providing safe and high-quality drilling services worldwide," he said.
SOCAR AQS, which provides comprehensive drilling and well services, was founded in 2007 by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), Nobel Energy and Absheron Drilling.
