According to research firm Spears and Associates, National Oilwell Varco of the U.S. dominates the global drillpipe market with a 47% share, while Hilong is second with 13%.
It was through his involvement in setting up the first drillpipe coating production line sourced from the U.S. that a business opportunity began to emerge.
Thad Allen, the government's point man in the region, said BP has determined there are three sections of drillpipe that need to be removed -- a main pipe and two shorter ones.