Expro has successfully delivered a fully remote five-plug cementing operation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following its first cementing job in the Kingdom in January, marking a significant evolution of the company’s expansion in the Middle East
The fully automated cementing operation – a world first, according to the company – was executed using Expro’s Generation-X Remote Plug Launcher (RPL) and proprietary SkyHook cement-line make-up device, enabling a complex, multi-stage cement job to be completed with zero red-zone entry or man-riding operations, setting a new industry benchmark for personnel safety and operational control.
The complex five-plug stage-cementing operation was executed for a challenging 9-5/8” casing run in a high-pressure gas well - the longest of its kind in the field. Utilising Expro’s modular Generation-X™ RPL, all of the five downhole components were pre-loaded in a controlled shop environment and then remotely launched at the well site with precision. Expro’s modular cement head allowed the operator to eliminate high-risk tasks at the rig site, significantly reducing rig time, and enhancing the overall well integrity through optimised cement placement and effective zonal isolation. Further deployments have also testified to the safety, efficiency and operational integrity benefits of the new technology.
Jeremy Angelle, vice president of Well Construction at Expro, said: “Our entry into Saudi Arabia is more than just geographic expansion - it’s about transforming cementing operations through advanced engineering. This breakthrough showcases our Generation-X and SkyHook technologies as world-class innovations that drive measurable safety and efficiency gains.
“Both the Generation-X launcher and SkyHook system were designed with safety, control, and field adaptability in mind.To see them deliver such strong results in a new region is a proud moment, and a signal of what’s possible as we grow our well construction capabilities globally.”
Expro continues to invest in expanding its presence in the Kingdom and beyond, in the oil, gas and geothermal markets.
Expro completes automated cementing operation in Saudi Arabia
The achievement demonstrates the proven scalability and reliability of Expro’s cementing technologies in one of the world’s most technically demanding operating environments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
