Project Overview

SPD was awarded the well design and integrated project management of a horizontal appraisal well targeting a naturally fractured granite basement reservoir, drilled from a semi-submersible rig. The combination of an environmentally sensitive location, a complex ESP drill stem test, a recently reactivated rig, exceptionally hard top-hole drilling and significant lost circulation in the fractured granite reservoir made this one of the most technically challenging single-well projects in SPD’s portfolio.

SPD’s Approach

SPD’s well management system provided full project auditability and real-time visibility throughout. For the rig reactivation risk, the team engaged with incumbent operators prior to contract award and developed a bespoke rig acceptance plan. Hard drilling was anticipated from offset analysis, and SPD developed a bespoke bit and BHA plan for both top-hole and granite sections. For the ESP DST, meticulous interface management across engineering, testing, mobilisation and installation delivered a successful test outcome.

Results & Value Delivered

✔ >$3MM Cost Savings — Client estimated savings in excess of $3 million attributable to SPD’s technical and contractual management.

✔ ESP DST Delivered — Complex drill stem test successfully installed and operated, providing critical reservoir data.

✔ Environmental Compliance — Full regulatory compliance maintained throughout in a sensitive marine location.