From The Gulf to Guyana, revolutionary tools that save rig time and money for major operators have been deployed by the DIS team across the globe. Despite the relatively humble size of Drilling Innovative Solutions, 2024 was another year of accomplishing big things. This landmark year saw DIS heavily involved with Shell’s most efficient production facility to date, the introduction of two new tool variants, successful tests, and industry events that helped to forge new connections.
Another Year of Growing the Gulf
Despite being actively involved in operations across the globe, there’s still so much work to be done close to home. In 2024, DIS reaffirmed its commitment to keep growing The Gulf, America’s energy corridor. The U.S. Energy Information Administration frequently highlights the importance of the Gulf to the country (and indeed, the world) in terms of energy production needs, and DIS is proud to be a part of that crucial operation. Throughout the year, DIS worked with major operators throughout the Deepwater Gulf to deploy tools like the Gatekeer CRC and CRCPA (Plug Activated) as well as the Sentinel DSFV and LR (Liner Running). As a result, production in the Gulf continues to grow and help meet the country’s energy demands as they increase.
The Pinnacle of Productivity
On the topic of the Gulf; 2024 also heralded the launch of Shell’s Whale production facility, which set up shop and began production in 2024 with the help of the DIS team. Shell’s most productive facility to date was made possible by the help of Drilling Innovative Solutions’ revolutionary tools. Considering the highly compact 60 person capacity and commitment to reduce rig time and emissions, it’s no surprise that Shell sought out tools that are synonymous with efficiency and sustainability.
On one of Shell’s biggest Deepwater Gulf projects, Drilling Innovative Solutions supplied and deployed Sentinel Drilling Safety Float Valves as well as Gatekeeper Cement Retaining Collar Plug Activated tools on multiple wells—and continues to supply them as needed. The track record of these tools for reducing carbon emissions has been crucial in helping Shell to meet their sustainability goals throughout the Whale project, and DIS is exceptionally proud to contribute to the future of more sustainable energy extraction.
Always Pushing the Envelope
The DIS team is never truly finished innovating or looking for new and creative methods for solving problems in the oil and gas drilling industry. In addition to supplying major operators like Shell with tried-and-tested technologies like the traditional variants of the Gatekeeper and Sentinel, DIS worked with others to create, test and deploy new variants of these tools.
Working with Exxon Mobil, DIS developed a new variant of the 9-5/8 Gatekeeper Cement Retaining Collar once it became apparent that certain drilling conditions might benefit from a lighter alternative to the traditional steel model. To address this need, the DIS team built an aluminum version that could provide valve actuation for temporary abandonment applications meaning that rapid drill-out would be possible. Along with engineers from Exxon and Baker Hughes, who supplied the bit, testing was performed at the Baker Hughes facility. The results were exceptional, and led to the conclusion that drilling time could be reduced to 45 minutes or less during a successful deployment. This was thrilling news for Exxon, as it should lead to significant revenue during deployment in Guyana.
In addition to the aluminum variant of the Gatekeeper CRCPA, DIS also worked with Chevron to develop a 20K variant of the tool for their own flagship floating production unit in the Gulf: The Anchor FPU. This thirty-year project boasts seven subsea wells and some of the industry’s lowest carbon intensity oil and gas. The project began production in August of 2024 and was even featured on CNBC’s “Mad Money” with Jim Cramer for the financial interest it drew.
A Positive Road Ahead
Though like many recent years, 2024 brought many unique challenges; it also brought opportunities. Drilling Innovative Solutions has grabbed every available opportunity and has turned each into a chance to grow and remain at the forefront of innovation.The team was also delighted to attend industry events throughout the year such as the operators’ forum held AADE Houston and also sponsored the Shell HERO charity golf tournament.
Despite the success and progress this last year has brought, DIS is not finished moving forward. Our commitment to making oil and gas drilling safer, more efficient, and more sustainable is stronger than ever, and we look forward to further assisting major operators around the world with revolutionary solutions to industry challenges. If you are interested in learning more about how DIS can help your operation save rig time, money, and carbon emissions; don’t hesitate to reach out.
