Longest Extended Reach Drilling Well Worldwide Drilled in Middle East, Offshore Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Alabed M. M. , Alsuwaidi N. S. , Duguid J. S. , Marsh J. D. , Pace D. L. , Alyan M. A. , Alharbi M. S. , Mohamed E. A. , Alali J. A. , Ali N. A. , Alhashmi M. N. , Alqaydi N. J. , Alnayadi K. G. , Abbas S. H. , Kaabi M. S. , Mikhaylov A. , AbdelNaby A. , Maghawri A. 
Published: October 2023

Objectives/Scope

This paper describes the engineering design and operational execution practices that supported setting of a new extended reach world record in a mature carbonate field offshore Abu Dhabi. This accomplishment is more than just an engineering accomplishment as it also reduces carbon footprint of the development, allows for obtaining reservoir data earlier in the development plan, and accelerates production while reducing cost.

Engineering design that was involved during the planning phase and operational execution practices that supported setting a new extended reach world record in a mature carbonate field offshore Abu Dhabi are covered in depth. This engineering accomplishment reduces the overall project carbon footprint through additional reservoir contact off existing facilities and allows for obtaining reservoir data earlier in the development plan leading to accelerated production with reduced capital expenditure as well as deferral of additional capital investment.

Methods, Procedures, Process

Extended planning phase preceded months before the execution using offset well analysis and utilized extended reach drilling expertise applying all the lessons learned that have been captured over years of a strategic plan to expand extended reach capability of the operation. To plan this well a significant effort was placed on ensuring that a wide reaching multi-functional team was involved. A significant amount of engineering modelling, in depth equipment review, and drilling / subsurface surveillance were required to successfully drill this world class well.

The planning phase preceded months before execution using offset well analysis, engaged extended reach drilling expertise, and applied all lessons learned that have been captured over years of the execution of a strategic plan to incrementally extend lateral length capabilities. An essential characteristic of the planning process was to ensure that a multi-functional team was involved to align on fit-for-purpose well path design to minimize wellbore tortuosity while maintaining critical well placement to maximize reservoir contact area. From an operational execution perspective, best practices for horizontal hole cleaning methods were implemented to ensure cuttings bed removal and decrease wellbore friction factors.

Results, Observations, Conclusions

The well was successfully drilled to 50,000 ft exceeding the previous extended reach world record by 787 ft. It delivered 33,500 ft of lateral in the target reservoir. Learnings around torque and drag modelling, hole cleaning, directional BHA design, geosteering and operational surveillance practices played a key role in meeting well objectives.

The well was successfully drilled to 50,000 ft exceeding the previous extended reach world record by 787 ft. It delivered 33,500 ft of geo-steered lateral in the target reservoir stemming from collaboration between drilling and geoscience teams. Heightened focus on well surveillance practices allowed for real-time changes that ultimately increase chance of success. The well design leveraged downhole drilling mechanic sensors in the LWD tools to maximize WOB transfer and minimize drill pipe buckling to ensure efficient drilling operations. In addition, pressure points while drilling were successfully acquired to better understand the reservoir pressure profile and make mud weight decisions to manage well control risk. Learnings around torque and drag modelling, hole cleaning, and directional BHA design played a key role in meeting objectives.

Novel/Additive Information

This extended reach development program is a strong example of what can be accomplished when a multi-functional team comes together to cultivate a strategic plan to expand technical and operational capabilities of a drilling campaign. This program has set the stage for continued testing of the Organization's extended reach capability.