Digital Transformation of Tubular Running Services – AI & Automation Enable Enhanced Rig Floor and De-Manning During Offshore Operations

Abstract Some of the prominent challenges in tubular running are minimizing the risk of human error, reducing operational expenditure, and enhancing personnel safety by mitigating operational hazards while remaining on schedule and within budget. The development of an intelligent tubular make-up solution purposely addresses these industry challenges whilst meeting industry objectives for a cleaner energy transition by reducing carbon emissions throughout the construction of the Well. To address customer challenges, a tiered-technology roadmap was developed to evolve tubular running solutions, from conventional to remote operations, before finally implementing an intelligent solution for Well casing and completion. The digital solution uses advanced automation and integrated controls from the safety of the driller's cabin, eliminating exposure of personnel to red zone hazards and enabling operations to be completed with fewer personnel at the rig site – all at the push of a single button. The solution was a testament to implementing a successful digitalization strategy in Well Construction. This intelligent solution can integrate with rig pipe handling equipment to deliver automated tubular running capabilities from any compatible rig. The flexibility in the level of automation offered by this technology, aided by a supervisory level of control by the operator, eliminates many opportunities for errors or discrepancies caused by human factors. The solution is deployed on critical deepwater and offshore wells in multiple regions. Case studies from historical runs were analyzed and compared against the tiered technology offerings. Efficiencies were immediately recognized, with the tong completing a park-to-park connection make-up in ninety seconds, 50 percent quicker than remote technologies that were previously used. Human involvement is significantly reduced due to the digitalization and automation of the tubular running process. Moreover, due to the efficiency improvements and fewer personnel required for field operations, this digital technology has resulted in a remarkable decrease in carbon emissions during the construction of a Well, leading to cleaner and greener energy initiatives. AI-powered Connection Integrity decisions increase accuracy, consistency, and reliability of Connection Integrity assessments, lowering overall risk of Well Integrity failures throughout the well life cycle. In addition to providing the industry's values on leveraging efficiency, eliminating human dependency, and optimizing well integrity and reliability, this technological solution is mitigating operational risks and challenges with its unified digital controls. This paper will comprehensively deliver the differentiation factors of this technology with field-proven results in critical deepwater wells, providing the best return on investment in field operations.