Baker Hughes said it set a new benchmark for open water drilling in Guyana, completing a 26-inch section with “unprecedented speed and efficiency.”
The company reported a 40% increase in on-bottom rate of penetration (ROP) and a 61% reduction in downlinks compared to previous records, all while maintaining a perfect safety record with zero incidents.
Baker Hughes said success is attributed to a tailored Well Construction solution, incorporating advanced technologies such as the AutoTrak™ X-treme motor-powered rotary steerable system, the Talon™ Strike PDC drill bit, and a smart battery for flow-off surveys. These innovations, combined with optimized sweep frequency, ensured efficient drilling, superior directional control, and effective hole cleaning.
Two wells drilled using this approach ranked as the fastest in the hole section leaderboard, with ROPs of 56.4 and 56, respectively, outpacing previous competitors.
Christopher Jones, NAO Vice President at Baker Hughes, credited the achievement to focused preparation and flawless execution by the field crew.
Baker Hughes has been one of ExxonMobil’s prime contractors for its operations in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The company operates out of a supercentre facility at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.