Egyptian company expands regional footprint with first drilling deal at KOC

The Egyptian Drilling Company (EDC) has secured a new contract in Kuwait to operate a 1,500-horsepower drilling rig for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), marking the first time an Egyptian drilling firm has won such a contract with KOC.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the contract represents a milestone in the ministry’s strategy to strengthen the presence of Egyptian drilling and petroleum services companies in regional and international markets.

The rig is scheduled to begin operations in early 2027, reflecting EDC’s continued expansion in the Kuwaiti market, reports Al-Jarida daily.

EDC has maintained a presence in Kuwait since 2022 through a local branch. It currently operates a well-maintenance rig for KOC and manages another well-maintenance unit owned by the Engineering Refineries Company, as part of a partnership with a Kuwaiti national firm.

The company said its equipment operating in Kuwait ranks among the best in terms of operational efficiency and occupational health and safety standards compared with other rigs working for KOC, underscoring its commitment to international best practices in operations and safety.

EDC added that it is actively participating in current and upcoming tenders in Kuwait for drilling and well-repair projects, as well as integrated drilling tenders offered by major global service providers, including Halliburton, Schlumberger and Baker Hughes.

Beyond Kuwait, the company has a strong footprint in Saudi Arabia through Drilling and Petroleum Services Limited (DPS), an EDC subsidiary that drills and maintains onshore and offshore wells.

DPS owns a fleet of seven onshore and three offshore rigs, with three currently in operation. The number of active rigs is expected to rise to six by April, while four additional rigs are under contract. Existing agreements with Saudi Aramco extend until 2035.

EDC said it aims to secure further contracts outside Egypt, expand strategic partnerships and support government plans to enhance the regional and international role of Egyptian national companies, reinforcing its position as a leading player in the local and regional drilling sector.