Halliburton, ExxonMobil, Sekal, Noble and the Wells Alliance Guyana team have completed what is described as the first fully automated geological well placement with complete rig automation in Guyanese waters.
The collaboration used digital systems to integrate rig operations, subsurface interpretation and real-time drilling optimisation, aiming to achieve gains in terms of well construction and operational efficiency.
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The project used Halliburton’s LOGIX orchestration and automated geosteering technology alongside Sekal’s DrillTronics solution. Together, they formed a closed-loop system designed to keep the drilling within reservoir boundaries and optimise operations autonomously.
Real-time data and optimisation algorithms supported automated control across rig functions, with the goal of unifying previously separate geological interpretation and drilling execution processes.
The participating product service lines from Halliburton and the Wells Alliance Guyana team worked together throughout the project, ensuring ongoing communication between geology, drilling and automation teams.
ExxonMobil Wells vice-president Rod Henson said: “This achievement demonstrates how collaboration and advanced automation can transform well construction efficiency and reliability. It represents a significant step forward for Guyana’s energy development and the industry’s digital future.”
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By GlobalDataAccording to Halliburton, the implementation of these technologies led to the reservoir section being completed approximately 15% faster than planned, while tripping operations took roughly 33% less time than expected.
The system also maintained precise well placement under difficult conditions and placed roughly 470m of lateral section within the target reservoir during live drilling, using automated geosteering and inclination corrections.
Halliburton Sperry Drilling vice-president Jim Collins said: “Our teams create new performance levels when subsurface insight, automation and drilling systems operate through one closed-loop automation system.
“This breakthrough digital orchestration transforms execution efficiency and advances automated well construction from concept to field-proven results and sets the foundation for consistent well placement in the best rock every time.”
Halliburton reported ongoing expansion of its closed-loop automation capabilities across different regions. The company stated that this development supports a broader industry shift towards repeatable and scalable automation in well construction processes.
The project forms part of the FutureWell initiative within the Wells Alliance Guyana collaboration. Halliburton indicates that it continues to develop these technologies as part of its focus on closed-loop automation in well construction.
Last month, ExxonMobil Guyana, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, finalised the acquisition of the floating production, storage and offloading vessel ONE GUYANA from SBM Offshore for approximately $2.32bn (€1.96bn).
