H&P forms technology unit
US driller also acquires Angus Jamieson Consulting to beef up digitalisation efforts
US rig contractor Helmerich & Payne has formed a new business unit focused on technology development and directional drilling automation, as shale operators increasingly turn to digital solutions to drive efficiency and repeatable well results.
Helmerich & Payne chief executive John Lindsay said the new entity, H&P Technologies, will help meet the industry's needs.
"As longer laterals are drilled, accurate well placement is crucial in maximising field economics," Lindsay said. "A key benefit of our performance-driven drilling services is the reduced positional uncertainty in the directional drilling process and the fact that our technology can be used on any rig, regardless of the drilling or service provider.”
H&P said it had beefed up its digital offerings through the acquisition of Angus Jamieson Consulting, a software-based training and consultancy company based in Inverness, Scotland. The company provides wellbore positioning tools and software and in-depth training for clients.
"The skills and talents of AJC will accelerate capabilities to deliver future, value-driven automation," H&P said.
The deal builds on a pair of acquisitions last year designed to bolster H&P's automation efforts. The company bought directional drilling equipment provider Motive Drilling Technologies and measurement-while-drilling specialist Magnetic Variation Services in 2017.
The news comes as the onshore oil and gas industry pushes for digital and automated solutions to improve well results and reduce costs. Earlier this month, Shell announced it had drilled the first well using artificial intelligence in the prolific Permian basin.
H&P president Todd Benson said: "The combination of Magnetic Variation Services' geomagnetic correction capability, Motive's unique directional drilling technology and AJC’s software expertise creates a powerful platform that generates a compelling value opportunity for E&P companies. H&P Technologies’ Value Driven Automation platform offers a unique and desirable service that brings directional drilling accuracy to a new level in the oil and gas industry."
