Expro (NYSE: XPRO) has marked a significant milestone in offshore energy operations with the first deployment of its Autonomous iTONG™ system in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The advanced tubular running technology was introduced for a major offshore operator off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire, representing iTONG™’s inaugural deepwater application since its debut in Norway in 2021.
The deployment comes as part of Expro’s Tubular Running Services (TRS) contract aboard the Deep Value Driller (DVD) drillship, which arrived in Côte d’Ivoire in late 2023.
The project supports the expansion of the Baleine field, the region’s largest hydrocarbon discovery, for energy giant Eni.
iTONG™ is recognised as one of the industry’s most technologically advanced tong systems, engineered to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability on the rig floor.
By automating the connection make-up and break-out of casing and tubing joints, iTONG™ eliminates the need for personnel in the hazardous Red Zone, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing net CO₂ emissions during well construction.
The system enables precise torque control from the driller’s cabin with the push of a button and provides full connection make-up validation.
Following a rapid delivery, installation, and commissioning process on the DVD, iTONG™ quickly transformed offshore operations.
Connection make-up times were reduced by 50 per cent, resulting in approximately US$200,000 in cost savings per well project.
‘Park-to-park’ connection times now take just 90 seconds, compared to 180 seconds with previous remote technologies.
Jeremy Angelle, Expro’s Vice President of Well Construction, highlighted the technology’s impact:
“Since its introduction to Norway four years ago, iTONG™ has been recognised by major operators as a top-tier solution for tubular connection make-up and validation.
“In this case, its performance has exceeded expectations, with a 50 per cent reduction in make-up times.
“The vision and commitment demonstrated by both Eni and Expro in introducing this technology to Africa exemplify a shared dedication to safer, more efficient operations.”
Angelle added: “iTONG™ continues to redefine industry standards, improving safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for offshore operations worldwide.
“Thanks to cutting-edge systems like iTONG™, our R&D teams are leading the TRS industry in enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and driving global cost savings.”
This deployment underscores Expro’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that advance efficiency and safety in the global energy sector.
