Denmark-based Maersk Group is in talks with National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) over the development of South Pars oil production project, a report said.

"Parallel talks have started with other multinationals to undertake the megaproject," Karim Zobeidi, head of a special department at NIOC that oversees the performance of reservoirs, was quoted as saying by Iran Daily, which cited Isna.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration with foreign firms to develop the second and third development phases of the field's oil layer, the official noted that the layer's complicated geological structure necessitates qualified companies to implement enhanced oil recovery techniques from the beginning of their operation.

"Pars Oil and Gas Company, as the contractor of South Pars oil layer, has held talks with a number of international companies, yet no agreement has been signed," Zobeidi said, adding that Schlumberger, a global oilfield services provider, was also reportedly interested in drilling the South Pars oil layer, but it failed to reach agreement with NIOC.

“Maersk’s operational capacity and know-how to drill horizontal oil wells as deep as 10,000 meters are key to its success in developing the South Pars oil layer, as we are still deprived of such expertise,” said Roham Qasemi, managing director of Petroiran Development Company

Iran aims to stabilize production from the SP layer at 25,000 barrels per day and gradually boost output to 55,000-60,000 bpd, the report said.