Project Overview

An independent onshore operator engaged SPD to design and engineer a challenging development well in a geologically complex onshore basin. The well was required to access a deep, overpressured gas reservoir beneath naturally fractured, tectonically stressed formations. The operator had experienced well control incidents and significant NPT on offset wells, and needed an independent engineering team to deliver a step-change in well design rigour and operational safety.

SPD’s Approach

SPD began with a comprehensive offset well analysis to build a calibrated pore pressure and fracture gradient model. Casing design was developed using full load case analysis. The narrow drilling margin was addressed through a contingency casing string design and MPD feasibility assessment. A geomechanical assessment informed wellbore stability analysis. H₂S sour service requirements were verified across all downhole tubulars, wellhead, BOP and surface equipment, with a materials compliance matrix produced.

Results & Value Delivered

✔ Zero Well Control Incidents — Well executed safely with pre-planned contingency responses available for all identified hazards.

✔ Narrow Margin Risk Resolved — Contingency casing string and MPD feasibility gave the operator an engineered solution to the transition zone challenge.

✔ Sour Service Compliance Assured — Complete NACE materials compliance matrix across every well system component.