The state energy company of Uzbekistan, Uzbekneftegaz, and the Chinese company XIBU have reached an agreement to accelerate deep drilling operations in the Ustyurt region.
According to an Uzbekneftegaz report, the contract includes the mobilization of nine drilling rigs to the project sites, six of which have already been delivered.
Discussions on joint projects took place during a meeting between the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Uzbekneftegaz, Abdugani Sanginov, and the General Director of XIBU, Ai Xin, who led the Chinese delegation.
Uzbekneftegaz reported that active drilling has commenced on three wells. Additionally, equipment installation is underway at three other sites, while the remaining three rigs are in the mobilization phase.
XIBU acts solely as a contractor providing services, carrying out drilling work for this project. Furthermore, all wells developed in the Ustyurt region remain in the balance sheet of Uzbekneftegaz, which retains full ownership rights and primary operational control over their development and exploitation.
During the meeting, both parties noted delays in the schedule of some wells compared to the initial deadlines stipulated in the contract. Consequently, XIBU was instructed to expedite the mobilization of drilling rigs, equipment installation, and the drilling operations themselves.
The parties agreed on prioritizing the work to complete three wells by November 15, 2026, with another two planned for completion in December 2026.
Moreover, discussions focused on analyzing geological data and developing proposals for exploiting multi-layered reservoirs, as well as applying directional and horizontal drilling technologies.
Uzbekneftegaz emphasized that XIBU's modern technical solutions can enhance drilling efficiency and increase well productivity. To achieve this goal, the companies intend to intensify professional exchange, jointly solve technical problems, and implement advanced drilling methodologies.
Following the meeting, Uzbekneftegaz confirmed its readiness to provide the necessary operational support to ensure the project's execution.