One button to drill? Halliburton and Sekal’s automation breaks new ground

Halliburton and Sekal AS have successfully deployed the world’s first automated on-bottom drilling system, revolutionizing offshore drilling operations. The technology, implemented for Equinor on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, integrates Halliburton’s LOGIX automation and remote operations platform with Sekal’s DrillTronics and a sophisticated rig automation control system. This breakthrough marks a pivotal shift in real-time drilling technology, reducing manual intervention while enhancing drilling performance and wellbore integrity.

The advanced system optimizes well placement and drilling efficiency using an integrated closed-loop control solution. By synchronizing autonomous directional drilling, automated wellbore hydraulics, and dynamic surface drilling rig control, it enables real-time operational adjustments with unprecedented precision. The automation of critical drilling processes minimizes human error, enhances safety, and increases efficiency, signaling a major transformation in offshore drilling automation.

What Makes This Automated On-Bottom Drilling System Revolutionary?

The key differentiator of this automated system is its ability to dynamically adjust drilling parameters in response to changing downhole conditions. Utilizing high-frequency downhole data, predictive analytics, and sophisticated algorithms, the system autonomously refines well trajectory and stabilizes wellbore conditions. This level of automation ensures that wells are drilled within safe operating parameters while maintaining optimal drilling performance.

The integration of real-time drilling models allows continuous monitoring of wellbore fluids, pressure systems, and subsurface conditions. The system automatically modifies directional drilling inputs, optimizing both wellbore positioning and drilling performance. By enabling autonomous adjustments in drilling speed, torque, and fluid circulation, this technology significantly reduces non-productive time and improves operational outcomes.

According to Josh Sears, senior vice president of Drilling and Evaluation at Halliburton, the deployment demonstrated the viability of autonomous drilling operations, underscoring the potential for increased efficiency, wellbore integrity, and rig process automation. He highlighted that the project represents a major leap in drilling automation, paving the way for broader industry adoption.

How Does This Technology Enhance Well Placement and Drilling Performance?

One of the most critical aspects of the new system is its ability to improve well placement accuracy. Through closed-loop control, the system continually assesses geological formations and adjusts drilling parameters to ensure precise targeting of hydrocarbon reservoirs.

The well placement process benefits from sophisticated geosteering integration, allowing the drilling system to make real-time trajectory corrections based on advanced downhole measurements. This results in optimal reservoir contact, reducing the need for costly corrections and sidetracks.

Additionally, the automation technology enhances drilling performance by stabilizing wellbore conditions and preventing formation damage. By autonomously regulating wellbore pressures and fluid management, the system minimizes risks associated with differential sticking, lost circulation, and other downhole challenges. The reduction in drilling performance variability ensures repeatable, high-quality results across multiple well projects.

How Is Halliburton’s LOGIX Automation Shaping the Future of Drilling?

Halliburton’s LOGIX automation and remote operations platform plays a central role in the success of this innovative drilling system. LOGIX provides an advanced orchestration layer that integrates directional drilling, vibration mitigation, and hole-cleaning optimization. This comprehensive automation framework allows for seamless real-time drilling adjustments while ensuring that operations remain within safe thresholds.

By combining LOGIX with Sekal’s DrillTronics, the system achieves enhanced wellbore integrity through advanced drilling safeguards. DrillTronics provides dynamic control over drilling equipment, ensuring consistent application of drilling parameters across different rig configurations. The combination of these technologies establishes a benchmark for automated drilling operations, improving both efficiency and safety.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Offshore Drilling?

The deployment of this automated on-bottom drilling system represents a major step toward the widespread adoption of autonomous drilling operations. As the industry continues to emphasize cost efficiency and operational safety, automation solutions like this will become increasingly prevalent.

The ability to automate drilling performance adjustments in real time offers substantial advantages for oil and gas operators. The reduction in manual decision-making leads to greater consistency in well outcomes, fewer operational disruptions, and lower costs associated with corrective actions.

Furthermore, the enhanced real-time drilling capabilities demonstrated by Halliburton and Sekal suggest that future offshore projects will increasingly rely on AI-driven decision-making and closed-loop automation. These advancements are likely to accelerate the transition toward fully autonomous drilling operations, reducing reliance on traditional manual workflows.

How Is Halliburton’s Automation Strategy Impacting the Market?

Halliburton, traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HAL, has positioned itself as a leader in drilling automation and digital solutions. This latest deployment for Equinor reinforces its competitive edge, particularly as energy companies seek innovative ways to improve operational efficiency.

The market has responded positively to Halliburton’s automation-driven strategy, with analysts highlighting the company’s focus on real-time drilling as a key differentiator. The successful execution of autonomous drilling operations is expected to enhance investor confidence and support Halliburton’s long-term growth in the oilfield services sector.

Additionally, the industry-wide recognition of Halliburton’s collaboration with Nabors Industries, which led to the companies being named Digital Enabler of the Year, further solidifies its reputation as a frontrunner in drilling automation. By integrating LOGIX automation with Nabors’ SmartROS rig operating system, the companies have established a unified platform for consistent, repeatable drilling performance.

What’s Next for Halliburton and Automated Drilling?

The successful deployment of this automated on-bottom drilling system marks a turning point for offshore drilling automation. By leveraging real-time data, predictive modeling, and advanced control systems, Halliburton and Sekal have set a new industry standard for autonomous drilling operations.

As more oil and gas operators recognize the value of automation in enhancing drilling performance, technologies like LOGIX and DrillTronics are expected to see broader adoption. With ongoing advancements in AI-driven decision-making, real-time drilling solutions will continue to shape the future of offshore energy exploration.

Halliburton’s commitment to digital innovation, coupled with the successful execution of this breakthrough project, reinforces its position at the forefront of drilling automation. As the industry moves toward greater reliance on autonomous systems, this development underscores the potential for safer, more efficient, and highly optimized drilling operations in the years ahead.