Founded in May 2004, Gulf Drilling International (GDI) is Qatar’s first Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling Company. Initially established as a Joint Venture between QatarEnergy (formerly Qatar Petroleum) and Japan Drilling Co., Ltd. (JDC), GDI became 100% Qatari-owned in May 2014 under Gulf International Services, Q.S.C. (GIS).
Our Journey:
• 2007: QatarEnergy increased its stake in GDI to 70%.
• 2008: GIS (Gulf International Services) took over QatarEnergy’s shares and became a public shareholding company.
• 2014: GDI’s 10th Anniversary, GIS (Gulf International Services) acquired all remaining JDC shares and become 100 percent Qatari Company.
• 2019: QatarEnergy LNG awarded six drilling rig contracts to GDI as part of its North Field Expansion Project. On 15 August 2019, GIS announced that GDI had executed a joint venture agreement with Seadrill Limited to service the QatarEnergy North Field Expansion drilling program. The joint venture, named GulfDrill, operates under a 50:50 ownership structure. This partnership enhances the relationship started in 2018 with the West Tucana, West Castor and West Telesto contract, boosting GDI’s strategic and competitive edge in Qatar and internationally.
• 2024: GDI 20th Anniversary. GDI completed the purchase of Seadrill’s jack-up rig fleet, making GulfDrill a wholly owned subsidiary of GDI. This acquisition positioned GDI as the largest jack-up operator in Qatar.
Our Growth:
• The rig fleet expanded to 12 offshore jack-up rigs, 7 land rigs, and 3 lift boats.
• Workforce of approximately 2000 employees.
Infrastructure:
• Central warehouse for spares and consumables.
• Advanced workshop for repair and maintenance.
• Modern Camp Facilities for onshore crews.
• Equipped with cranes, articulated vehicles, and 5 water well units.
Our Commitment: GDI is a World Class Company dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling, liftboat, and jack-up accommodation services, solidifying our position as a market leader in Qatar and beyond.