Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) said they have successfully carried out what they describe as the industry’s first fully automated geological well placement using complete rig automation at an offshore site in Guyana. The operation integrated automated rig systems, real-time subsurface analysis and automated well placement technologies.
The project utilized Halliburton’s LOGIX orchestration platform and automated geosteering system, along with the EarthStar ultra-deep resistivity service and Sekal’s DrillTronics technology, forming a closed-loop drilling system. The integrated setup allows wells to be steered within reservoir boundaries while autonomously optimizing drilling and tripping activities.
“Our teams create new performance levels when subsurface insight, automation, and drilling systems operate through one closed-loop automation system,” said Jim Collins, vice president of Halliburton Sperry Drilling.
The companies reported that the reservoir section of the well was completed about 15% faster than planned, while tripping operations saw time reductions of roughly 33%. During the operation, the automated system successfully positioned around 470 meters of the lateral well section within the reservoir, performing geosteering adjustments and inclination corrections automatically.
“This achievement demonstrates how collaboration and advanced automation can transform well construction efficiency and reliability,” said Rod Henson, vice president of Wells at ExxonMobil. “It represents a significant step forward for Guyana’s energy development and the industry’s digital future.”
The project involved collaboration among Halliburton, ExxonMobil, Sekal, Noble and the Wells Alliance Guyana team. The integrated system removes the traditional separation between geological analysis and drilling execution by combining real-time optimization algorithms and geological inversion data with automated rig controls.
Halliburton said it is working to expand the use of closed-loop automation technologies across multiple regions worldwide, according to the company’s press release.