SNOC awards SLB expanded underbalanced coiled tubing drilling contract

Sharjah National Oil (SNOC) awarded SLB an expanded framework agreement for underbalanced coiled tubing drilling (UBCTD), signed on the sidelines of ADIPEC 2026. The new campaign, about twice the size of the first, starts in 2027 and covers new development phases at the Moveyeid gas storage field and the Hedebah gas field.

SLB will provide integrated project management and execute the coiled tubing drilling services. UBCTD keeps wellbore pressure below reservoir pressure, which limits formation damage and helps drill multilateral well sections. SNOC expects the technique to improve gas injection and withdrawal at Moveyeid and to support more productive gas wells at Hedebah.

SNOC said the first integrated UBCTD campaign, carried out at Moveyeid in 2024, outperformed targets for drilling performance and production. It delivered higher well productivity, greater operational efficiency and lower costs.