Halliburton has acquired Norwegian technology provider Sekal from Sumitomo in a move to enhance its drilling automation offerings.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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Previously, Sumitomo had supported Sekal in expanding its market presence and strengthening internal governance.
Sekal’s DrillTronics automation technology will be combined with Halliburton’s LOGIX automation and remote operations to create an expanded portfolio of automation services.
This combined platform will also incorporate Halliburton’s LOGIX Automated Geosteering service, which is intended to help improve reservoir access and drilling consistency.
The integrated system allows for automated management of drilling operations, including real-time coordination of well placement, wellbore hydraulics, and rig activities.
Halliburton Sperry Drilling vice president Jim Collins said: “This acquisition rapidly expands our automation capabilities and delivers industry-leading digital solutions that lower well construction costs, increase recovery, and reduce operational risks for our customers. By bringing together our field-proven technologies, we unlock the full potential of digital well construction and set a new standard for automated drilling operations.”
At present, the Halliburton-Sekal solution is deployed in several projects, providing models of subsurface conditions, wellbore fluids, and pressure systems. These tools operate in conjunction with directional drilling technologies and automated controls.
According to both companies, customers may see up to a 25% reduction in well delivery times, due to improvements in well placement, dynamic optimisation of drilling parameters, and fully automated tripping processes.
Sekal specialises in digital drilling automation and has supplied integrated tools and services to oil and gas operators and drilling companies since its establishment in 2011.
The technology’s origins are tied to research developed by the International Research Institute of Stavanger (IRIS). Sekal, prior to the acquisition, was a collaborative venture between entities including Statoil, Saudi Aramco, SåkornInvest, and IRIS.
Sekal chief executive Jarle Vaag said: “Joining Halliburton is a natural evolution for Sekal. The team at Sekal has worked closely with our clients providing our technology and services to the industry regardless of the service providers.
“While we will continue to support this market, the opportunity with the combined expertise of Halliburton and Sekal to advance our technical capability and accelerate the adoption of digitally integrated well construction will deliver a unique automation solution to our new and existing customers worldwide.”
Last month, Halliburton, ExxonMobil, Sekal, Noble and the Wells Alliance Guyana team completed the first fully automated geological well placement with complete rig automation in Guyanese waters.
