BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Uzbekistan’s
state-owned oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz and China’s XIBU are
working to accelerate deep-well drilling projects in the Ustyurt
region, with the companies reviewing the deployment of drilling
rigs and deadlines for completing several wells.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbekneftgaz,
following a meeting between Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Abdugani
Sanginov and a delegation from XIBU led by the company’s General
Director Ai Xin to discuss expanding cooperation, particularly
joint projects involving the drilling of deep wells in the Ustyurt
region.
The sides said cooperation between the two companies has entered
a new stage following earlier negotiations in Urumqi, China, where
priority areas for collaboration were identified.
Under an existing contract, XIBU is expected to mobilize nine
drilling rigs for the project and complete construction of deep
wells within the agreed deadlines. Six of the nine rigs have
already been delivered to drilling sites, while drilling has begun
at three wells. Installation work is underway at another three
sites, with the remaining three rigs still being mobilized.
“The mobilization, installation and drilling processes need to
be accelerated to ensure that the projects are completed within the
agreed contractual deadlines,” Uzbekneftegaz said.
The company noted that some drilling operations have fallen
behind the schedules stipulated in the contract.
The sides agreed to prioritize the completion of three wells by
November 15, 2026, followed by two additional wells in
December.
Uzbekneftegaz also emphasized that XIBU is participating in the
projects solely as a drilling-services contractor. All wells being
drilled in the Ustyurt region remain on Uzbekneftegaz’s balance
sheet, while ownership rights and the principal authority related
to their development and operation belong to Uzbekneftegaz.
The meeting also covered the analysis of geological data and the
development of proposals for the exploration of multilayer fields.
The companies discussed using directional and horizontal drilling
technologies to improve project efficiency.
Sanginov said XIBU’s modern technologies and technical solutions
could help improve drilling efficiency and increase well production
rates.
The companies also agreed to strengthen knowledge sharing among
specialists, jointly analyze technical challenges and introduce
advanced drilling technologies.
Uzbekneftegaz said it is ready to provide the practical support
necessary for the successful implementation of the joint
projects.
