SOCAR AQS plans 8 new Turkish wells, eyes major expansion in Iraq

SOCAR AQS is accelerating its regional drilling initiatives, planning eight new wells in Türkiye over the next two years while actively pursuing expansion projects and tenders in Iraq, highlighting its growing international footprint in the energy sector.

Elvin Nasibov, SOCAR AQS’s Türkiye Manager, announced these plans at the IADC Drilling Caspian 2026 conference and exhibition in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He noted that there is currently an active drilling campaign in Türkiye, with approximately 55 rigs engaged in Turkish Petroleum projects, alongside equipment from private operators.

“Offshore operations are mainly concentrated in the Black Sea and are carried out exclusively by the national company using drilling vessels. SOCAR AQS expanded its presence in Türkiye by opening the SOCAR AQS Sondaj branch in 2019,” Nasibov added.

He emphasised that the first project involved drilling 28 wells for underground gas storage under a turnkey contract for BOTAŞ, the national gas operator. “In addition to drilling, additional service support was provided. Despite strict technical requirements from the client, including a deviation limit of less than 1.5° and zero pressure on the casing string, the project was successfully completed. Up to eight rigs were used simultaneously for this project.”

Nasibov also explained current operations: “Two rigs are currently active in Türkiye. The HH300 hydraulic rig on a truck chassis provides high mobility and is used in Çalık Petroleum projects, where several wells have already been drilled. The MR8000 mobile mechanical rig is also in operation for Turkish Petroleum projects. Under a direct contract, eight wells are planned to be drilled over the next two years.”

Regarding Iraq, he noted that the company participates in various tenders in the region, aiming to expand its market presence.

“In particular, a tender has been submitted with private operator Crescent Petroleum for a ‘1+4’ drilling scheme: first, one exploratory well will be drilled, and if successful results confirm commercial production, four more will follow. In addition, we are participating in a tender jointly with Basra Oil Company for drilling using 2,000-horsepower rigs,” he said.

“Projects in Türkiye and Iraq demonstrate the company’s significant international experience and confirm its commitment to providing safe and high-quality drilling services worldwide,” Nasibov concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada