First-Ever MWD Dynamic Directional Surveys in the Norwegian Continental Shelf
Authors: Fawzy M. G. , Hassan H. K. , Dhaher K. S. 
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a successful campaign conducted in the Norwegian continental shelf, utilizing state-of-the-art measurement-while-drilling (MWD) dynamic surveying techniques. The objective of the campaign was to achieve stable bottomhole pressure and improve wellbore placement in the Duva field reservoirs. Located in the western section of the Gjøa field, approximately 30 km west of the Norwegian coastline in the northern North Sea, the Duva field contains oil and gas reserves, with oil discovery made in 2016.

The Duva field development plan included three oil production wells, one gas production well, and one pilot hole, with the aim of extracting oil and gas from the field.

One of the primary challenges encountered in the Duva field was maintaining stable downhole pressure, crucial for preventing wellbore instability in formations sensitive to circulating density fluctuations. Additionally, the complex reservoir structures necessitated high-frequency surveys to optimize steering and enable Geosteering decisions. These intricate reservoir structures also presented challenges in directional control and reduced the directional driller's confidence in the rotary steerable system (RSS) response and the expected dogleg severity (DLS) outcome, often leading to higher-than-planned DLS values beyond completion string tolerances. The implementation of MWD dynamic directional surveying addressed these challenges by offering solutions and significantly improving drilling efficiency, eliminating the need for separate time-consuming directional surveys.

The utilization of MWD dynamic surveying tools in the Duva field yielded notable results. By replacing conventional stationary surveying tools, bottomhole pressure was enhanced through the elimination of flow-RPM On/Off. The inclusion of MWD surveys improved well placement accuracy, allowing for real-time steering adjustments that reduced dogleg severity, resulting in smoother curves and lateral sections even within complex 3D profiles. Furthermore, the adoption of MWD technology eliminated rig time associated with surveying and reduced the risk of stuck pipe by enabling continuous drilling during surveys. This technological advantage facilitated successful deployment of complex design completion screens at planned depths.

Moreover, the MWD dynamic directional survey technology incorporated a three-axis shocks and vibrations sensor package, enabling effective management of shocks and vibrations risks by adjusting drilling parameters in real time.

Notably, this campaign marked was the first-ever drilling operations in the Norwegian continental shelf utilizing MWD definitive dynamic surveying technology as official definitive surveys for drilling in the Norwegian continental shelf. Operations took place in the summer of 2021. The application of this technology enhanced wellbore positioning within the reservoir, increased on-bottom drilling time, and reduced stationary time, resulting in a substantial 27.5-hour reduction in rig time directly from improved surveying and connection procedures.