ExxonMobil has successfully integrated the world’s first fully automated geological well placement in offshore Guyana.
The milestone project, executed in collaboration with Halliburton, Sekal, Noble, and the Wells Alliance Guyana team, marks a significant shift from automation-assisted drilling to a completely integrated, closed-loop system.
By unifying real-time subsurface data with rig automation, the team has established a new benchmark for efficiency and reservoir contact in one of the world’s most active energy basins.
The operation utilised Halliburton’s LOGIX orchestration and EarthStar ultra-deep resistivity service alongside Sekal’s DrillTronics software. This combination allowed the system to autonomously steer the well within precise reservoir boundaries while simultaneously optimising drilling and tripping operations.
By removing the traditional silo between geological interpretation and mechanical execution, the system can make split-second adjustments to hydraulics and well placement without human intervention.
“This breakthrough digital orchestration transforms execution efficiency and advances automated well construction from concept to field-proven results,” said Jim Collins, Vice President of Halliburton Sperry Drilling.
The performance data from the Guyana campaign suggests the technology is more than just a proof-of-concept.
The reservoir section was completed roughly 15 per cent ahead of schedule, while tripping operations, the process of pulling the drill string out of the hole or putting it back in, saw a staggering 33 per cent reduction in time.
Additionally, the system successfully placed approximately 470 metres of the lateral section within the reservoir using active automated geosteering.
Rod Henson, ExxonMobil’s Vice President of Wells, described the achievement as a significant step forward for both Guyana’s energy development and the industry’s digital future.
“This achievement demonstrates how collaboration and advanced automation can transform well construction efficiency and reliability,” Henson said.
