TEHRAN – The exploration operations of the Kupal, Marun, Aghajeri oilfields are to be completed by yearend (March 2007), Iranian Oil Exploration Operations Company (IOEOC) managing director Hassan Mohammadi-Moqaddam said here on Wednesday.

Seismological operations implemented on the three oilfields, covering an area of 3000 kilometers have turned out to be the leading projects in exploration field, he noted. Currently 70% of the project is complete, he said, adding, “The Chinese Company, BGP has undertaken to do the seismological operations on the Aghajeri oilfield, and it is much ahead of the Iranian companies in charge of exploiting the other two fields.”

“The Iranian companies have not been able to complete the project on schedule due to a lack of equipment, and access to the new equipment delayed in the customs houses,” he explained.

He cited the fact that the seismological operations project for Marun and Kupal fields is implemented both in mountainous and plain areas as another reason behind the delay in the executive process, adding Aghajeri field is located in a mountainous region only.