Gulf Drilling International (GDI) — Qatar’s national onshore and offshore drilling and liftboat company—was established in 2004 as a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum (now QatarEnergy) and Japan Drilling Company (JDC) and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Gulf International Services (GIS) in 2014. With a versatile fleet comprising onshore and offshore rigs, liftboats, barges, and shallow bore rigs, GDI provides over 60% of Qatar’s drilling needs, delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to both national and international clients. Recognised by QatarEnergy, QatarEnergy LNG, North Oil Company, and Qatar Shell as a world-class service provider, GDI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Qatar’s sustainable future in the energy sector.
Our Growth:
- The rig fleet has now expanded to 10 offshore rigs, 7 onshore rigs, and 3 liftboats.
- 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 2 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.
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 enhanced 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’s 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.