ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and SLB are using autonomous drilling technology offshore Guyana to improve deepwater well delivery, according to a case study published by SLB on February 4, 2026.
The companies deployed SLB’s proprietary Neuro autonomous directional drilling and DrillOps automation solutions to support complex well construction. The work was carried out offshore Guyana, where ExxonMobil Guyana operates the Stabroek Block.
The technologies were used to navigate more than 48 kilometers of complex 3D well paths. More than 93% of the operations were executed autonomously, with monitoring done remotely from an onshore center.
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ExxonMobil Guyana and SLB introduced the tools to address the demands of deepwater well construction. These operations require precision, consistency, and speed, particularly when drilling complex 3D well trajectories.
The Neuro system enhanced trajectory control through autonomous updates and downlink command requests. The process used closed-loop intelligence to streamline directional drilling and reduce the number of downlinks required.
DrillOps managed rig surface equipment, including mud pumps, drawworks, and top drive. It automated on-bottom drilling tasks and adjusted parameters to reduce drilling dysfunctions.
The system also detected and responded to issues such as overpressure and drilling instability. It computed downhole formation strength to select drilling parameters aimed at improving the rate of penetration.
Since implementation, controlled-rate-of-penetration downlinks have decreased by 51%. Off-bottom downlinks have decreased by 75%.
The technologies also reduced flat time and improved wellbore positioning accuracy. They helped ExxonMobil Guyana reduce personnel on board and improve consistency in remote operations.
ExxonMobil Guyana is the operator of the Stabroek Block. Its co-venturers are Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. The block supports Guyana’s offshore production growth through projects including Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara, and Yellowtail.
