IADC Drilling Middle East 2024 Conference & Exhibition

07:30 Conference Registration, Coffee Service, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by KCA Deutag

07:30 Speaker’s Rehearsal (presenters only)

08:30 Welcome, Introduction & Safety Briefing: Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

08:40 Opening Presentation: H.E. Mohsin Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary, Ministry Energy & Minerals

09:00 Keynote Presentation: Mohammed Al Naabi, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Energy Association (OPAL)

09:20 Keynote Presentation: Dr. Aflah Al Hadhrami, Managing Director, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

09:40 Keynote Presentation: Saif Al Hamhami, Chief Executive Officer, Abraj Energy Services

10:00 Market Outlook: Aditya Saraswat, Senior Vice President & Head of MENA Research, Rystad Energy

10:30 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by KCA Deutag

11:00 Panel: The Role of The Oil and Gas Industry in The Energy Transition
Moderator: Nikolay Dimitrov, Senior Commercial and Business Development Manager (Middle East), KCA Deutag & Marin Koceic, Area Manager, Nabors Drilling

The global importance of energy transition cannot be overstated, as it is critical to achieving a sustainable future, while addressing the issue of energy security. The oil and gas industry may play a pivotal role in this transformation, leveraging its expertise, resources, and infrastructure to drive innovation in low-carbon technologies. In this panel, we will discuss why our industry’s contribution is essential in scaling renewable energy solutions, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring a balanced, secure energy supply during the transition to a cleaner, more resilient global energy system.

• Khalifa Omier Al-Wahshi, Senior Well Engineer, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Mitrangshu Dutta, Business Development Manager, Al Baraka Oilfield Services SAOC
• Nazir Muhammad, Chief Executive Officer, Green Watts
• Ahmed Al Balushi, Senior Drilling Engineer, bp

12:00 Luncheon, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Derrick Corporation

13:30 Workshop on How to Persuade and Influence People
Moderator: Gary Castell, Senior Business Development Manager, Altrad Sparrow

Using Persuasion Psychology to Support Rig Safety: Neil Orvay, Managing Director, Evolution U Consulting FZE
This workshop will introduce the six principles of persuasion, namely: reciprocation, consistency, consensus, liking, authority, and scarcity. There will be one breakout requiring interaction with the audience, and participants will take away at least two actionable learnings.

14:10 Energy Transition
Session Chairs: Nikolay Dimitrov, Senior Commercial and Business Development Manager (Middle East), KCA Deutag & Farid Khamchane, General Manager, Helmerich & Payne

ESG: Culture or Trend: Saja Al Balushi, Account Contract Manager, Gulf Energy
Going through factors that affect ESG including the change in trends, the economy and the investors. Have companies approach post pandemic changed towards ESG? The change from dismissal to investment.

Alternative Fuels – Can Offshore Drilling Rig Run on Green Methanol?: Jan Hoffner, Lead Mechanical Engineer, Habeib Al-Hashim, Noble Corporation
Rising demand for low-carbon fuels. The offshore and international shipping sectors use oil-based fuels to power most of the vessels in the world today. Ambitions to lower emissions are increasing, as the global commodity demand rises. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) set expectations to reduce Green methanol is the predominant green fuel, due to its advantageous properties, which include easy storage and handling at ambient conditions, the highest energy density of the alternatives, and good combustion properties requiring small amounts of pilot fuel. When produced from renewable sources like biomass and renewable hydrogen, green methanol offers lower emissions and carbon neutrality. Several engine vendors already offer well-proven engines capable of operating on methanol and diesel with comparable performance characteristics. This is surely needed in offshore applications, where low average loads and high-power fluctuations are inherent conditions IN drilling operations.

14:50 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by KCA Deutag

15:20 Technology & Innovation Session I
Session Chairs: Mohamed Housny, Sales and Business Development Leader, Drillmec & Mansur Damiev, Business Development Manager – MENA, Pason Systems – Middle East

Delivering Record Breaking Gross Footage with Single Slim Bottom Hole Assembly: Abdullah Al Saaidi, Senior Drilling Engineer, Richard Fish, Oxy, Eman Samir, Moosa Al Muqarshi, SLB
A new field record for drilling the longest footage with a single Bottom Hole Assembly in slim hole has been recently achieved in Safah field, in northern Oman. Despite requiring challenging geosteering and directional work, all primary objectives of the well was met, achieving the best FPD record across all well types in the operator’s fields, with zero non-productive time and zero HARM. The case study highlights the technology innovation, engineering solution and the sustainable remote operation structure which contributed to this record-breaking achievement. The valuable learnings acquired can be applied to similar development programs focusing on drilling efficiency improvement.

Unlocking Renewable Energy Potential: The Crucial Role of Drilling Fluids Additives in Geothermal Wells: Jeremiah Uche Osuji, Drilling Fluids Engineer, Anioke Chidiebere, Baker Hughes
Geothermal energy is gaining prominence as the world transitions to renewable energy sources. Drilling fluids additives play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Geothermal wells. This paper explores how drilling fluid technology will better align with the transition to renewable energy sources, by focusing on improving efficiency, and sustainability and ensuring the drilling fluid components and additives are eco-friendly. The Innovation involves the usage of eco-friendly additives and most of the raw materials used in manufacturing these additives are derived from natural and biodegradable sources. Gradually, these eco-friendly additives are replacing the hazardous chemicals used.

Enhanced Recovery of Synthetic Oil-Based Mud (SOBM) Using a Water-Based Spacer System for Economical Drilling and Efficient Well Abandonment: Chun Kiat Yeo, Senior Technical Professional, Dinesh Simmadorai, Chitra Charan Suri, Halliburton
This presentation explores an innovative method for recovering synthetic oil-based mud (SOBM) used in well construction, aimed at reducing both operational costs and environmental impact. By utilizing a water-based spacer system, SOBM can be efficiently recovered and reused, leveraging its high contamination tolerance. This process not only lowers expenses but also improves cement bonding in the wellbore by transitioning from an oil-wet to water-wet environment. Additionally, this method simplifies well abandonment procedures, further enhancing economic and environmental benefits.

16:20 Panel: Advancing Safety Performance with New Methods and Technologies
Moderators: Michael Strauss, Vice President – Drilling – Middle East & North Africa, Ensign Energy Services & Chris French, Business Development Executive, The REACH Group
Join our panel session to share new methods and technologies to support drilling operation teams achieve safe and efficient operations. We will explore Learning from Normal Work, CCTV surveillance, Artificial Intelligence, and advancements in Bow-Tie techniques to see how these innovative tools can help with the safe execution of work activities. We will explore how these advancements were able to assist with identifying and mitigating hazards in the workplace and the impact on behaviours and safety culture.

• Thomas Koester, Human Factors Specialist, Noble Drilling
• Michael Pandolfi, QHSE Manager Middle East & North Africa, Ensign Energy Services
• Ilyas Ahmed, HSE Manager, Abraj Energy Services
• Yahya Badar Nasser Al Amri, Senior HSE Advisor, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)

17:20 Networking Reception, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

07:30 Conference Registration, Coffee Service, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Patterson-UTI

08:30 Welcome, Introduction & Safety Briefing Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

08:40 Keynote Presentation: Hilal Al Busaidi, General Manager Oman, Yemen and Pakistan, SLB

09:00 Technology & Innovation Session II
Session Chair: Daniel Semerjian, Regional Sales Manager, NOV

Reactive to Proactive: A Paradigm Shift in Automation Platform Support Drives Performance: Brandt Lanzet, Product Line Manager – Automation, Travis Butler, NOV
While the introduction of Drilling Automation Platforms (DAP) and Tripping Automation Platforms (TAP) have brought new levels of consistency, performance, and collaboration to the industry, consistent engagement between dedicated automation personnel, drilling contractor, and operator is required to maintain automation utilization, performance, and drive for continuous improvement. This presentation aims to highlight how this OEM’s proactive service approach to automation can outperform automation platforms alone.

PDO’s Methodological Approach in Revitalizing Drilling Rigs Sizing with Automation Integration through “Rig Calc” Tool: Abdullah Al Braiki, Senior Well Engineer Value Creation, Yasin Lawati, Ahmad Taha, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
The presentation will show the revamp of Rig Sizing which introduced validation calculation and equations. These are used to determine whether the selected rig is fit for purpose or not. The calculations are applied for hoisting capacities (loads), power and pressure ratings and they check the ratings of the rigs against a given well’s properties which is automatically pulled from the database. All of these data are stored in the data warehouse and are pulled by the Rig Calc. tool to provide a quick validation of the rig sizing at a click of a button with the provision for editing to allow the Well Engineers to make recommendations in future rig designs and well designs.

Agile and Innovative Approach for Conducting Drilling Rigs’ Annual Maintenance with Minimal Impact on Operations: Ahmed Al Salmi, Operation Manager, Saif Al Hussaini, Saud Al Ghafri, Fahad Al Hashmi, Faisal Al Riyami, Shabib Al Busaidi, Hamed Al Fare, Abraj Energy Services
This paper evaluates the impact of structured annual rig maintenance on operations by incorporating an agile and innovative approach to streamline maintenance processes in alignment with industry standards. The implementation of best practices and synchronization of offline activities with routine operations ensured no disruptions. Meticulous planning and incorporation of predictions of worst-case inspection results led to successful implementation, including meeting compliance rates, reducing maintenance duration by over 25%, enhancing inspection quality and ensuring zero incidents in Health, Safety and Environment. This strategy sets a foundation for process optimization and development.

10:00 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Patterson-UTI

10:30 Panel: Unlocking the Well of the Future through Digitalization & AI
Moderators: Mahmoud Shukri, Well Engineering Contracts Manager, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) & Umar Naveed, Director Digital and Performance Drilling, Digitech Excellence Solutions

This session explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry. We’ll delve into the immense potential these advancements offer to optimize well operations, boost efficiency, and prioritize safety. The discussion will explore real-world examples (case studies) from industry leaders to illuminate:

• Opportunities: Increased efficiency through AI-driven data analysis, improved reservoir management, enhanced safety with real-time monitoring, and cost-effective remote operations.
• Challenges: Data integration, cybersecurity, talent gap in AI and oil & gas expertise, initial investment costs, and adapting regulations and business models.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on navigating the path towards the “Well of the Future” – a complex system powered by AI and digitalization for optimal performance, increased safety, and environmental responsibility.

• Mahmoud Elzenary, Senior Manager, Operations Integrity and Efficiency, ARO Drilling
• Sohail Rashidi Aghdam, Regional Technical Sales, ADAGA Solutions
• Khalid Qassabi, Wells Digital Transformation TL, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Marin Koceic, Area Manager, Nabors
• Marat Zaripov, Chief Executive Officer, AI Driller

11:30 Regional IADC Middle East Chapter Updates

• Stephane Moynet, Chief Operating Officer, Arabian Drilling, Chair, Northern Arabian Golf Chapter
• Andrew Stratton, General Manager, IRE, Information Coordinator Southern Arabian Peninsula Chapter
• IADC KFUPM Student Chapter Update

11:50 Luncheon, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

13:20 Near Term Market Challenges
Session Chairs: Amira Maza, Manager – Marketing & Contracts, Noble & Adolfo Perez Arenas, Vice President Business Development, ADNOC Drilling

Strategic Rig Partners Initiative: Sam Saravanan, Global Rig Management Leader, Phil Brown, Baker Hughes
Strategic Partnerships not only support supply chain sustainability throughout turbulent market conditions, but also delivers efficient service as the parties work together as one team. By evolving from a transactional relationship to a strategic partnership, the successful collaboration has enabled Baker Hughes to emerge as a “Employer of Choice” for our rig partners in a highly competitive space of drilling rig and service procurement. Strategic partnership delivers real results!

The Journey to #becomeoneteam- Lessons from KCA Deutag’s 2-year Integration Programme of Saipem’s Land Drilling Assets: Adebayo Aremu, Head of Projects, Land Business Unit, KCA Deutag, Emanuele Calo, Saipem International
KCA Deutag has successfully integrated Saipem’s Land Drilling business which it acquired 2 years ago. This paper, jointly presented by both the lead KCA Deutag and Saipem representatives explores the challenges, successes, and lessons from the journey to blend the best of both organizational cultures to #becomeoneteam. It explores the role of early planning, objectives setting, risk management, synergies, change curve consideration and transition management in the successful delivery of this multifaceted integration project.

14:00 Panel: Maximizing Local Content and In-Country Value
Moderators: Humaid Al Bulushi, General Manager HSE & Standardization, Oman Energy Association (OPAL) & Salah Al-Harthy, Director Business Development & Well Services Division, Abraj Energy Services

This panel will explore strategies to maximize local content and in-country value (ICV) in the oil and gas industry. Topics include developing skilled local workforces, boosting local manufacturing, and improving service quality. The discussion will cover KPIs such as workforce participation, local procurement, training investments, and economic impact. It will also address challenges and solutions in implementing these strategies. Attendees will gain insights into how local content and ICV contribute to industry growth and economic sustainability, offering a comprehensive view of methods to enhance local participation and optimize in-country value.

• Ahmed Al Balushi, Country Manager Oman, KCA Deutag
• Abdullah Alabdulhay, IT support, Saudi Arabian Drilling Academy
• Faraz Ahmed, Project Manager – Crane Manufacturing, Altrad Sparrows
• Saoud Al Jabri, ICV Development Manager, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
• Djamel Zerari, Senior Business Development Manager, Halliburton

15.00 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Patterson-UTI

15.30 Panel: Attracting the Young Generation
Moderator: Hisham Zebian, Vice President – Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

To foster an open dialogue between younger professionals and seasoned industry veterans, addressing challenges, sharing experiences, and exploring ways to attract and retain the younger generation in the oil and gas industry.

Panelists

• Mohammed Al Yaarubi, Drilling Engineer, bp
• Sama Al Zadjali, Events and Media Specialist, Oman Energy Association (OPAL)
• Abdulrahman Ahmed Al Fakih, Student, KFUPM
• Ismail Al-Habsi, Training Drilling Superintendent, Abraj Energy Services
• Imed Eddine Chaguetmi, Student, University of Boumerdes

16.30 Adjournment

Poster Session & Unassigned Papers of Note:

The following paper proposals are initially scheduled as alternate presentations for this event. The posters will be included in the conference during the networking breaks. If a scheduled paper becomes unavailable, then the posters will be included in the conference as a paper presentation. In addition, these presentations will be made available in the IADC conference proceedings, should the author so desire.

12 ¼” Open Hole sidetrack Accomplished in a very Narrow Window Below 13 3/8” Casing having 4 x 9 5/8″ Stump Below: Farid Umudlu, Lead Drilling Engineer, bp, Bakytgul Dairova, Rashad Saleh, SLB
Firstly I will expound on the directional risks encountered, delving into a thorough description. Secondly, I will discuss the engineering assessment of directional risks, exploring various options. Thirdly I will elucidate the rationale behind selecting a specific option and highlight its superiority from the perspective of well delivery. Lastly, I will address the key learnings from that sidetrack to the audience.  

Enhancing Drilling Operation Efficiency by Reducing Non-productive Time (NPT) through the Utilization of Insourced Land Rigs in South of the Sultanate of Oman: Ahmed Alhooti, Well Site Well Engineer, Ali Rubkhi, Zahran Rawahi, Saif Aufi, Petroleum Development Oman
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) annual drilling of 600 Wells underscores the significance of drilling expenses in hydrocarbon investments, with Non-productive Time (NPT) reduction crucial for cost efficiency. The study compares NPT and drilling performance factors across PDO’s in-sourced rigs and contractor-operated rigs. Four PDO-owned rigs and four contractor-operated rigs are analyzed, focusing on factors like planning, risk management, and workforce development. In-sourced rigs demonstrate a remarkable 70% NPT reduction compared to contractors, attributed to effective training, technology integration, and benchmarking practices. Adoption of these practices led contractors to 20% NPT reduction industry-wide, enhancing cost-effective operations. The novelty of in-sourced rigs lies in their demonstrable success in achieving cost-effectiveness in drilling operations through minimizing NPT. Implementing this concept is advantageous not only for PDO but also for the entire industry.

The Human Factor During an Integration: Adebayo Aremu, Head of Projects, Land Business Unit, KCA Deutag
We’re human and we make mistakes. Mistakes are part of life, and we learn and move on. Having gone through a large acquisition over the last 18+ months increasing our Land Rig Fleet to over 130 rigs, in 18 countries, we have focused on the behaviours of our teams to succeed in a safe and successful integration. The presentation will explain the strategies we developed (and adapted) for our country operations to integrate our new rigs and personnel into our systems, continually improving performance and engagement with our new colleagues. Change is always a challenge, but our approach has proven to give the desired results in achieving a smooth and more importantly a safe integration.

How Vantage Drilling Successfully Overhauled its Competency Assurance Management System with the Support of ICM Group and 3T: Nicholas Coyle, Training & Competence Manager, Vantage Drilling, Sofiane Bennaceur, ICM People, Hiam Saad, 3TGlobal
Without question, the most effective method of achieving a standard of “operational excellence” is to improve the competence standards of the workforce by way of progressive and continuous training, development, and assessment in an environment that promotes a culture of continuous improvement. By implementing this method, the industry can move towards the goal of zero accidents/incidents, increase in overall crew competencies, increased revenue efficiency, reductions in NPT and a potential industry wide blueprint for a well-established methodology for all competence assessment programs. Planned presentation delivery format. Vantage Drilling, ICM Group & 3t will participate in a presentation & panel discussion with a chairperson. Vantage Drilling will lead the presentation to share their vision for the program, Thereafter ICM Group will share the importance of content developed. Finally, 3t will share details on user experience & CMS effectiveness.                                                                

Advancements in Well Control Strategies: A Comprehensive Review of Well Control Practices in MPD: Nitin Kulkarni, Project Manager, Landon Hollman, Blade Energy Partners
This presentation will discuss the transformative impact of integrating MPD systems with rig’s well control equipment, resulting in a paradigm shift in the industry’s approach to well control. The evolving landscape of MPD requires major adjustments in well-control methods, from enhanced monitoring and detection technologies for abnormalities to precise determination of kick magnitude and kick control approaches. The paper will present the latest strategies employed for effective well control during drilling operations with MPD.

Effective Drilling-Rig Team Performance: Tim Wigham, Head of Performance, Exceed
Oil and Gas accounts for 75% of the UK’s current energy needs. Drilling Rigs in the North Sea drill and complete the wells that produce the O&G that provides much of this energy. Building effective Rig teams has therefore been and will continue to be critical for the United Kingdom’s energy security. The factors contributing to effective team building are constantly evolving as society, technology, and energy evolve, so it is important to seek new insights regarding what it takes to deliver effective Rig-team performance. Doctoral research into the North Sea Drilling Rig environment was undertaken in 2024 and fascinating new insights about the necessary steps to achieve safe, efficient, effective teamwork on a Drilling Rig, need to be shared across the industry to promote good practice and remain curious about human performance in this digital age.

Strategic Approach to Occupational Health Risks Management in the Middle East and Africa’s Oil & Gas Sector: Azgar Anees, Business Development Manager – Qatar, Ehab Chalabie, Medical Director, Medical Services – Middle East, International SOS
The presentation will briefly describe the framework and be complemented by illustrative case studies demonstrating the findings, outcomes, and benefits of the approach.

Red Zone Management System (Rig AI): Mohamed Al Sayyad, Senior AI Engineer, Ibrahim Al-Masoudi, ESBAAR
Rig AI is a red-zone management system that is customized and programmed by ESBAAR team, tailored to provide situational awareness for the floor men on the rig floor.