Turnwell has delivered a strong step forward in operational efficiency and safety with the successful execution of a first-time offline Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) breakout on Rig AD-245 in Deyab field.
This milestone marks a shift from the traditional approach, where an 8½” Bottom Hole Assembly, including Rotary Steerable System (RSS), Measurement While Drilling (MWD), and shock absorber components, was handled sequentially on the rig floor through multiple breakout activities, requiring several critical lifts to laydown and up to 4.5 hours to complete.
The applied approach introduced staged BHA laydown, combined with an offline breakout operation on the ground using bucking unit and automated catwalk. This practice enabled safer handling of sensitive downhole tools, reduced lifting complexity, minimized human error of manual intervention, and improved control in operation. BHA laydown time was reduced to around one hour in the first trial and approximately 35 minutes in the second, achieving up to a 75% reduction in operational time.
Beyond efficiency gains, this initiative strengthened safety performance by reducing the number of critical lifts and improving overall operational control, supported by detailed risk assessments and alignment across all stakeholders.
The success of this operation reflects strong collaboration between Turnwell, rig teams, and BHA service providers, reinforcing Turnwell’s role in applying best practices, maximizing asset value, and continuously raising standards of both operational performance and service providers. Looking ahead, Turnwell will scale this approach to BHA make-up, larger BHA sizes, and other configurations such as Heavy Weight Drill Pipe (HWDP), and standardize the practice.
Richard Downey, General Manager of Turnwell, said: “This achievement reflects ADNOC Drilling’s commitment to continuously improving how we operate in the field, strengthening safety, unlocking efficiency, and driving performance through innovation and disciplined execution. It also supports our growth strategy, where Turnwell plays a key role in applying best-in-class practices, maximizing asset value, and scaling solutions that deliver long-term operational excellence.”