Drilling & Completion News
ADNOC deploys first AI-enabled walking island rig
ADNOC Drilling recently took delivery of AD-300, an AI-enabled, fully automated walking island rig. Delivered three months ahead of schedule, the rig stands 50 m tall and weighs approximately 2,000 tons. It combines advanced automation, digital systems and hybrid power capability, with the option to connect to the grid. Its automated walking capability allows it to move seamlessly between well locations without dismantling, while automation systems, such as automated pipe handling and AI-enabled monitoring, help minimize personnel exposure in complex operating environments.
AD-300, which is now deployed on one of ADNOC’s artificial islands, is the first in a six-rig program under a $1.54 billion contract awarded by ADNOC Offshore in 2024-2025. The remaining rigs are scheduled for delivery through 2027.
H&P FlexRig wins 3-year contract for Vaca Muerta
H&P and GeoPark have entered a three-year agreement to deploy a FlexRig with integrated technology, along with associated drilling services, in the Vaca Muerta formation in Argentina. Under the agreement, H&P will support GeoPark’s factory drilling campaign of horizontal wells in the Loma Jarillosa Este and Puesto Silva Oeste blocks, with operations expected to begin by the end of 2026.
The agreement is a significant milestone for both companies. For GeoPark, it marks the deployment of its first dedicated drilling rig in Argentina as the company accelerates development of its unconventional assets. For H&P, this agreement expands its active rig count in Argentina, reinforcing a growing operational presence in one of the world’s most dynamic shale basins.
ACG hits milestone with startup of NAG production
BP recently announced the commencement of non‑associated gas (NAG) production operations on the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea. This marks the first commercial gas production operations on ACG.
The initial NAG well, drilled from the existing West Chirag platform, provides important reservoir and flow data, supporting appraisal of the resource base to inform future full-field gas development. The NAG resources of ACG are estimated to have recoverable reserves of 4 trillion cu ft and a potential upside to 6 trillion cu ft. BP’s ACG co-venturers are SOCAR, MOL, INPEX, ExxonMobil, TPAO and ONGC Videsh.
PETRONAS expands its Suriname resource base with new gas discovery
PETRONAS recently made a new gas discovery at Block 52 offshore Suriname, bringing the block’s cumulative resource base to more than 1 billion boe across eight exploration successes. The Malaysia-based operator, which anticipates taking a final investment decision on the block later this year, is conducting a three-well campaign in Block 52 using the Noble Developer semisubmersible. It holds an 80% stake in the block, with Staatsolie holding the remaining 20%.
Block 52 covers approximately 4,750 sq km in water depths ranging from 60 to 1,000 m and lies about 140 to 180 km offshore from Suriname’s coast, within the Suriname-Guyana basin.
INEOS, Shell strike deal for E&P near Appomattox
INEOS Energy and Shell agreed to jointly invest in exploration and development opportunities from areas in tieback distance to the Appomattox platform in the US Gulf. INEOS is acquiring a 21% working interest for an undisclosed amount, consistent with its ownership in Appomattox, Rydberg, the recent Nashville discovery and the Mattox pipeline.
The agreement will initially focus on three exploration and production opportunities: Shell’s pre-FID Fort Sumter discovery, drilling of the Sisco exploration well and a further exploration well targeted by the end of 2030 margin barrels.
Saipem to sell shallow-water drilling operations to ADES
Saipem has signed an agreement with ADES for the sale of Saipem’s entire shareholding in Saudi Arabian Saipem (SAS). SAS owns three jackups (Perro Negro 7, Perro Negro 8 and Perro Negro 10) and leases two other jackups (Perro Negro 11 and Perro Negro 13).
The transaction is part of Saipem’s strategy to focus on deepwater and harsh-environment offshore drilling. It is valued at $285 million and expected to close by Q3 2026.
