IADC Drilling Caspian & Black Sea 2026 Conference & Exhibition

08:00 Conference Registration, Coffee Service, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Turan Drilling & Engineering

09:00 Welcome, Introduction & Safety Briefing: Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

09:10 Keynote Presentation: TBA

09:30 Opening Presentation: Russell Morrice, Vice President Wells, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, bp

09.50 SOCAR Transition Presentation: TBA

10:30 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Turan Drilling & Engineering

11.00 AI, Digital Twins, and Automation: The Future of Drilling and Completions
Session Chair: Elvin Nasibov, Deputy of General Director, SOCAR AQS

Towards Autonomous Drilling: AI/ML Architectures for Efficiency, Reliability, and HSE Improvement: Sohail Rashidi Aghdam, Technical Sales Manager, Daniil Ignatov, ADAGA Solutions
This presentation explores how AI and machine learning improve drilling performance through real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, autonomous geosteering, and enhanced safety. Field results show measurable gains in rate of penetration, equipment reliability, and well integrity. Attendees will learn scalable strategies that combine physics-based models, high-frequency data, and human oversight for safer, faster drilling.

First Implementation of a Continuous Circulation System and a Downhole Digital Twin: Advanced Engineering for Drilling in Critical Environments: Jose Sebastian Muñoz Restrepo, Technical Sales Advisor Managed Pressure Services, Juan Pablo Gutierrez Marin, Luis Fernando Ayala Tovar, Julian Esteban Amado Olarte, Halliburton
This work presents the first integrated solution combining Continuous Circulation System, Data Acquisition System, real-time hydraulic modeling, and a downhole digital twin. By enabling dynamic simulations and proactive decision-making, the approach reduces non-productive time, enhances safety, and optimizes drilling efficiency in complex environments.

20/20 Vision of Your Operations – Creating an Operational Twin of Completions Operations: Travis Thomas, Vice President, Digital Completion Solutions, NOV
This presentation emphasizes integrating human context with sensor and engineering data to create an operational twin for completions operations. By enabling real-time, multi-directional data sync, it enhances remote monitoring, maintains model accuracy, and reduces non-productive time, ultimately bringing engineers back into operations for safer, more efficient well completions. This is also the foundation for automation.

12.00 Exhibitor Showcase
Exhibitors will share a brief presentation of their products and services.

12:15 Luncheon, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

13:30 New Technologies I
Session Chair: Gian Maria Barborini, Sales Area Manager West Asia & Africa, Drillmec

Rig Automation: Cross-OEM Integration and Global Performance Gains via Open Platform Deployment: Brandon Rosler, Director, Nabors Drilling Solutions
This session highlights a global rig automation initiative deployed on over 35 third-party rigs across the U.S., Canada, and MENA. Leveraging an open, hardware-agnostic platform, the system integrates with various OEM control systems. Field deployments have demonstrated measurable improvements in connection times, slide drilling consistency, and overall drilling performance across a wide range of operational environments.

Automated 500t Land Rig Provides Step Change in Drilling Efficiency for the Caspian Onshore Region: Timo Trauth, Business Development Manager, Herrenknecht Vertical
The Caspian region poses severe drilling challenges due to remote sites and complex high-pressure reservoirs. Modern Herrenknecht Vertical land rigs address these issues with fully automated pipe handling, advanced drilling control, real-time monitoring, and compact modular designs, enabling safe and efficient operations in both ultra-deep sour-gas wells and constrained urban environments. Their deployment, setting new technological benchmarks.

The Journey to Achieve Autonomous Drilling in Jack Up Rig Operations of Offshore Abu Dhabi (Part 1): Denya Yudhia, Drilling Specialist, Hamad Aljaberi, Yunchuan Zhao, Reem Maarouf, Paulinus Bimastianto, Shreepad Khambete, Mohammad Afzal, Mohammed Al Ali, Omar Almehrzi, Ahmed Alharbi, Mohammed Abdelsattar, Suhail Alameri, Saeed Al Hajri, Salem Alblooshi, Yousef Alhammadi, Yousif Al Katheeri, ADNOC Offshore, David O’Neill, Tor Gresaker, SLB
Autonomous drilling on a jack-up rig in offshore Abu Dhabi demonstrates the power of collaboration and digital innovation. By upgrading rig systems and integrating automated operations, operator achieved continuous performance improvements, enhanced safety, and cost savings. The project highlights how strategic automation, real-time data, and advanced software can transform drilling efficiency, reduce downtime, and set new industry milestones.

Deepwater Electrification Test Rig Used to Execute Shearing Exclusively with Battery System: Brian Piccolo, Principal Systems Engineer, Shah Sakhawat, Vijay Chatufale, Rune Saua, Greg Myers, Jeff Fisher, HMH
This deepwater BOP electrification case study discusses drill pipe shears powered by batteries. The presentation covers test observations and key considerations for sizing batteries to drive BOP functions. This effort underscores the need to broaden API standards to cover different forms of BOP technology. An electrified BOP enables reliability improvements and reduces critical path test time, weight, and carbon emissions.

14:50 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session – Sponsored by Turan Drilling & Engineering

15:20 Drilling Plans
Session Chair: Peri Madatova, Senior Drilling Engineer, bp

Advancements in Sour Service Drill Pipe Chemistry Provide Added Versatility for Countering/Mitigating Extreme Drilling Challenges: Andreas Berger, Drilling Superintendent, North Oil Company, Alan Iravani, NOV
Presentation explains the mechanism by which this gas causes catastrophic failure in the drill string. Next two slides dive into case history of H2S in the particular area drilled by Qatari operator and why achieving targets was becoming risky and problematic in operations such as backreaming and freeing stuck pipe. High surface torque, high stick & slip, mud challenges, latest enabling drill pipe grade and connection technologies also covered.

15:40 Panel: Pressure Prediction Methodologies and MPD Usage
Moderator: Peri Madatova, Senior Drilling Engineer, bp

This session explores modern pressure prediction methodologies and their integration with Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) systems. Participants will gain insight into MPD’s growing role in complex offshore and onshore environments.

• Saleh Orujov, Geologist, SOCAR-AQS
• Mohammed Issa, Drilling Engineer, bp
• Ricardo Leon, MPD Technical Advisor, Halliburton

16:40 Poster Presentations
Moderator: David Triolo, Wells and Drilling Director, GL

The following poster authors will present a 5-minute overview of their posters followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.

• Innovative Drilling Technologies and Challenges in High-Temperature Geothermal Well Operations: Orkhan Nasibov, Student, Baku Higher Oil School
• Enhancing Process Safety in Drilling Operations through Automation and Control Systems: Nargiz Ibrahimova, Student Intern, Turan Drilling and Engineering
• First Application of VES Fluid in Fracpack of Offshore Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs in China-Case Study: Jiaan Pi, Technical Professional, Halliburton
• Initial Deployment of a Torsional Vibration Mitigation Tool with an Optimized Drill Bit Delivers Performance Gains in the Nyèkpuszta Field, Southeastern Hungary: Dmitrii Reshitniak, Account Manager – CEE&CIS, NOV – Downhole
• Ruleset-driven Automated Design of PAD/Platform Multi-Wells Using Cloud-based Software: A Modern Approach to Well Engineering: Mohamed Ali Hassan, Senior Advisor, Oliasoft

17:10 IADC Updates
Session Chair: Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

• IADC Geothermal Committee: Drummond Lawson, Director – Technical Development, Altiss Technologies
• IADC Black Sea – Mediterranean Chapter: Lars Nydahl Jørgensen, Regional Director Europe, IADC
• IADC Caspian Chapter: TBA

17.40 Welcoming Reception, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

08.00 Conference Registration, Coffee Service, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

09:00 Welcome, Introduction & Safety Briefing: Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

09:10 Opening Presentation: TBA

09:30 Workover and Well-Servicing Optimization
Session Chair: Said Begov, Assistant Rig Manager Central Azeri, Turan Drilling & Engineering

Breaking Barriers in Sandstone Stimulation: Real-Time Insights from Hybrid Coiled Tubing Operations in Iraq: Jonnathan Tellez, Senior Technical and Sales Advisor, Juan Corrales, Miguel Ramirez, Abdallah Masoodi, Xavier Alarcon, Halliburton
This paper highlights how the innovative synergy of an RTHCT service improves sandstone stimulation efficiency by providing high-value information, saving time and cost by assessing the efficiency of stimulation treatments and allowing RT decisions to improve well deliverability and reduce uncertainties.

Enhancing Performance and Safety During Milling Operations with Reduced Footprint Surface Equipment: Craig Martin, Global Business Development Manager, Archer
The surface handling of debris from milling can restrict performance and expose personnel to the risk of injury. A case study is presented, illustrating the development and application of small footprint technology to increase performance and safety on such campaigns.

10:10 Poster Presentations
Moderator: David Triolo, Wells and Drilling Director, GL

The following poster authors will present a 5-minute overview of their posters followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.

• Downhole Cooling System Design for Reliable MWD Operations in HPHT Drilling: Mahmud Dadashov, Petroleum Engineering Student, Baku Higher Oil School
• Application of Oil-Based Drilling Fluids and New Completion Technologies in Neft Daşları and Günəşli Fields: Unlocking Production Potential: Shahriyar Aghayev, Technical Support Manager, AZOREL
• Effective Control of Water Loss and Wellbore Instability in Drilling Arab-D Carbonates: CFD–DEM Insights into Mud Cake Design: Mohammad AlOsail, PhD Candidate, Saudi Aramco PE&D
• Applied Artificial Intelligence for Sand Control and Standalone Screen Simulation: Nigel Gardiner, Senior Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services
• Unlocking Rig Intelligence: AI‑Powered PDF Readers Turn Documentation into Actionable Insights: Shadi Turki, Senior Business Developer, Aquila Engineering

10:40 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

11:10 Panel: Smart Safety in High Risk Areas: AI, Data Analytics & Human Factors
Moderators: Ilkin Huseynli, Deputy HSSET Manager, Caspian Drilling Company & Lars Nydahl Jørgensen, Regional Director Europe, IADC

Explore cutting-edge strategies to protect personnel in high-risk zones through AI-driven monitoring, smart planning, and Red Zone Matrix applications, while applying behavioural safety principles. Learn how machine learning tools, human factors engineering and behavioural safety considerations may reshape safety culture, reduce incidents, empower teams, and transform red zone management into a proactive, data-informed practice.

• Safa Gasimov, Tourpusher, Caspian Drilling Company
• Kamran Alasgarov, Senior Wells Engineer, bp
• David Hazell, Senior Vice President, CAVU

12:10 Luncheon, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

13.30 New Technologies II
Session Chair: Hisham Zebian, Vice President Eastern Hemisphere, IADC

Dual Underreamer on Rotary Steerable System (RSS) BHA Enables Underreaming While Drilling and Rathole Elimination Performance on in a Single Trip: Gaukharbek Ungaliyev, Product Engineer, Bakytgul Dairova, Emil Agayev, Ramin Mammadov, Ayaz Sharifov, SLB
The dual underreamer BHA enhances drilling efficiency by combining an upper ball-activated underreamer and a near-bit hydraulically activated reamer. This setup eliminates pilot hole cleanout runs, enables real-time data transmission, and allows multiple activations. Advanced hydraulics analysis ensures safe operation, while a lockout mechanism prevents accidental activation, reducing time, cost, and risk in well construction.

Smart Geosteering: Machine-Learned Lithology Mapping from XRF and LWD Synergy: Sohail Rashidi Aghdam, Technical Sales Manager, Daniil Ignatov, Valentin Voynilenko, Alexey Genadievich Manikin, ADAGA Solutions
This presentation showcases a novel geosteering workflow that integrates real-time XRF cuttings analysis with LWD data to enhance well placement accuracy in complex reservoirs. Field results from Western Siberia demonstrate improved lithological resolution, reduced non-productive time, and smarter drilling decisions through data fusion and machine learning, setting a new benchmark for adaptive, high-efficiency geosteering operations.

bp Global First: Using SmartPlex Downhole Flow Control in Multizone Water Injector Wells: Gullu Ahmadova, Completion and Intervention Engineer, Fady el-Dabi, Natig Kerimov, Corrado Guiliani, bp, Ato Mensah Adaah, Matthew Gray, Halliburton
This paper presents bp’s first global deployment of the SmartPlex® Downhole Flow Control System in the ACG field’s D40 injector well. SmartPlex® enables advanced zonal injection control across five zones using simplified tri-line architecture, enhancing sweep efficiency, reducing interventions, and enabling real-time reservoir monitoring—marking a breakthrough in multi-zone water injection technology.

North Sea Learnings from Wired Drill Pipe (WDP) Deployments and Complimentary Technologies Providing Better Practices and Added Value: Mats Andreas Andersen, Vice President Business Development, DBS, NOV
New technology deployed requires new way of operating. The capability of maintaining communications with downhole sensors independent of circulation is significant, and these benefits have been used to introduce better practices across all different parts of well construction activities. The growing adoption of Wired Drill Pipe (WDP) and Along-String Measurements (ASM) deployed in offshore drilling is constantly pushing operational envelope.

14:50 Networking Break, Open Exhibition & Poster Session

15:20 Panel: Risk Management in Drilling & Wells: From Real-Time Assurance to Lifecycle Governance
Moderator: Gerard T. Dennehy, General Director, NOV Azerbaijan

A set of advances in well risk management: real-time collision avoidance using passive magnetic ranging, iterative data-driven drilling practices to reduce lost-in-hole risk, and an ultra-fast shear-seal ram for emergency well control. It also covers a first-time pre-BOP cement squeeze restoring integrity on the first attempt and a lifecycle governance model that embeds geomechanics to prioritize risks and align stakeholders.

• Davide di Tommaso, Senior Petrophycisist and Geomechanic, Weatherford
• Fares Khaddour, Managing Director – Eastern Hemisphere, Kinetic Pressure Control
• Bakytgul Dairova, Technical Manager, SLB
• Narmin Javadova, Drilling Engineer, bp
• Jeyhun Huseynov, Wells SME Lead, SOCAR Upstream Operations Management

16:20 Adjournment

Poster Session & Unassigned Papers of Note:

The following paper proposals are presented as posters and will be included in the conference during the Poster Presentations Sessions. If a scheduled paper becomes unavailable, then the posters will be included in the conference as a paper. In addition, these presentations will be made available in the IADC conference proceedings, should the author so desire.

Innovative Drilling Technologies and Challenges in High-Temperature Geothermal Well Operations: Orkhan Nasibov, Student, Baku Higher Oil School
High-temperature geothermal wells face challenges such as lost circulation, wellbore instability, and equipment failure. This paper explores innovative drilling technologies, including Casing while Drilling, Dual-Tube Reverse Circulation, and nitrogen-aerated mud systems, to address these issues. The study highlights how advanced materials and drilling methods improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance well integrity, supporting geothermal energy.

Enhancing Process Safety in Drilling Operations through Automation and Control Systems: Nargiz Ibrahimova, Student Intern, Turan Drilling and Engineering
This presentation shows how automation and control systems improve drilling safety. Using PLCs, SCADA, and HMIs, real-time monitoring and predictive tools reduce human error and prevent equipment failures. Offshore project examples from the Caspian region highlight how automation, alarms, and operator training support safer, more efficient, and reliable drilling operations.

First Application of VES Fluid in Fracpack of Offshore Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs in China-Case Study: Jiaan Pi, Technical Professional, Tian Liang, Zichao Wang, Liang Feng, Halliburton, Ming Zhang, Fei Cheng, Xiaofei Sun, Yonggang Deng, Xuefeng Zhang, CNOOC
While guar/gum dominates fracturing, this study proves VES fluids outperform in high-clay unconsolidated sandstones economically. For high-angle wells, packing factors should be tailored to inclined well depth based on fracture morphology.

Initial Deployment of a Torsional Vibration Mitigation Tool with an Optimized Drill Bit Delivers Performance Gains in the Nyèkpuszta Field, Southeastern Hungary: Dmitrii Reshitniak, Account Manager – CEE&CIS, Roman Che, Constantijn Raap, NOV Downhole, Tom Roberts, Dawid Wojaczek, NOV – ReedHycalog
The case study highlights the Nyèkpuszta Field deployment of a torsional vibration mitigation (TVM) tool and an 8½-in. PDC bit with shaped cutters. Together, they proactively controlled HFTO and reduced drilling torque under demanding conditions. Results demonstrate how integrating advanced downhole dynamics control with torque-efficient cutter geometry delivers superior drilling performance in challenging environments.

Ruleset-driven Automated Design of PAD/Platform Multi-Wells Using Cloud-based Software: A Modern Approach to Well Engineering: Mohamed Ali Hassan, Senior Advisor, Oliasoft, Peter Mwansa, ADNOC Onshore
This presentation shows the development and validation of a cloud-based, rule-set–driven workflow that automates PAD/Platform multi-well design, significantly reducing engineering time while improving quality and consistency.

Downhole Cooling System Design for Reliable MWD Operations in HPHT Drilling: Mahmud Dadashov, Petroleum Engineering Student, Baku Higher Oil School
High downhole temperatures limit MWD tool performance. This project proposes a downhole cooling system that transfers heat from the MWD cabin to circulating mud. Cooling cycles are analyzed for feasibility, reliability, capacity, and power demand in HPHT conditions, enabling improved tool performance, accurate well placement, and higher recovery factors.

Application of Oil-Based Drilling Fluids and New Completion Technologies in Neft Daşları and Günəşli Fields: Unlocking Production Potential: Shahriyar Aghayev, Technical Support Manager, AZOREL
Application of Oil-Based Drilling Fluids and New Completion Technologies in Neft Daşları and Günəşli Fields: Unlocking Production Potential.

Effective Control of Water Loss and Wellbore Instability in Drilling Arab-D Carbonates: CFD–DEM Insights into Mud Cake Design: Mohammad AlOsail, PhD Candidate, Saudi Aramco PE&D, Sheikh S Rahman, Paula A Gago, Razqan Razak, Khaliq I Musa, Stephen Tyson, University of New South Wales
Thin and tight mud cake is vital for water loss control and consequent wellbore instability in drilling Arab-D formations, however, predicting its properties is complex. This study shows, appropriate PSD and solids concentration produce mud-cake that can effectively seal Arab-D carbonates. The results provide practical guidance for drilling-fluid design to reduce fluid invasion and improve wellbore stability.

Applied Artificial Intelligence for Sand Control and Standalone Screen Simulation: Nigel Gardiner, Senior Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services, Mohammad AlOsail, Saudi Aramco, Razqan Razak, Stephen Tyson, Gelareh Mohammadi, Sheikh Rahman, UNSW
Effective stand-alone screen selection can be improved through simulations of downhole conditions. In this study, we accelerated accurate sand control simulations using physics-informed neural networks by 90%. These simulations can be used to drive digital twins of the screens, for performance predictions and anomaly detection. We present a case study of simulations and experiments conducted for offshore Brunei.

Unlocking Rig Intelligence: AI‑Powered PDF Readers Turn Documentation into Actionable Insights: Shadi Turki, Senior Business Developer, Mohamed Ridha Znaidi, Nour Smaoui, Oussama Hattab, Amine Meziou, Jose Meraz, Aquila Engineering
We present an AI-driven PDF reader that automatically interprets and summarizes rig documentation using retrieval-augmented generation and natural language processing. By transforming technical manuals and logs into actionable insights and linking them with real-time data, the system enables crews to quickly access critical procedures and troubleshooting patterns, improving safety and operational efficiency. The result: a more resilient rig.