The HyperSteer MX directional drill bit improves durability and maximises directional control. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Halliburton has launched the HyperSteer MX directional drill bit, a shankless matrix-body bit that improves durability and maximises directional control, reducing well construction time and costs

The bit delivers longer runs and fewer trips, resists erosion and abrasion, and performs reliably in high-flow, abrasive environments.

HyperSteer MX directional drill bits utilise advanced matrix materials to resist erosion and abrasion, extend bit life in abrasive, high-flow environments, and improve efficiency and reliability during operations.
HyperSteer MX directional drill bits deliver precise steerability that maximises performance in vertical, curve, and lateral sections, and minimises well time and reduces well construction costs. The bit reduces trips, lowers exposure to unplanned events, and maintains directional precision in the most abrasive environments.

HyperSteer MX directional drill bits extend the HyperSteer portfolio and reflect Halliburton’s investment in innovative engineered solutions that maximise asset value.

“HyperSteer MX directional drill bits mark a major step forward in drilling. The technology combines the precise steerability of HyperSteer directional drill bits with a durable matrix body. It allows operators to drill longer in harsh environments and supports efforts to minimise well time and maximise directional performance for customers,” said Amr Hassan, vice president, Drill Bits and Services, Halliburton.

A multi-well correlation for three wells. Shown (from left to right for each well) are gamma ray, AI-predicted lithology, and far-stack seismic amplitude with the gamma ray curve in the well position. (Image source: DUG)

A multi-well correlation for three wells. Shown (from left to right for each well) are gamma ray, AI-predicted lithology, and far-stack seismic amplitude with the gamma ray curve in the well position.

Faster. Consistent. Scalable. How AI is transforming lithofacies interpretation

Lithofacies interpretation remains one of the most fundamental tasks in subsurface evaluation – and one of the most time-intensive. Despite advances in logging technology and computing power, workflows are still dominated by manual interpretation, subjective judgement and inevitable variability between interpreters. When dozens or hundreds of wells must be assessed, particularly in early-stage screening or regional studies, this inconsistency can delay decisions around reservoir presence, interval ranking and further petrophysical review.

A new deep-learning workflow developed at DUG demonstrates how that bottleneck can be significantly reduced – delivering fast, reproducible lithofacies predictions directly from standard wireline logs. Rather than replacing geological interpretation, the approach provides a consistent first-pass screening tool that allows interpreters to focus attention where it adds the most value.

A key differentiator of the workflow is its foundation in rock physics. Any supervised machine-learning model is only as reliable as its training labels, and in this case those labels are derived from carefully curated end-member lithologies. These end members represent the cleanest and most internally consistent examples of sandstones, shales, siltstones and carbonates, selected only where wireline responses align physically and geologically. By excluding intervals affected by poor borehole conditions or noisy measurements, the resulting training dataset remains objective, consistent and firmly grounded in established rock physics relationships.

The model architecture combines a transformer-based sequence model with a one-dimensional convolutional neural network, also previously developed by DUG. This enables it to capture both long-range stratigraphic trends and local log-response variability, while handling missing data through attention masking. Crucially, the workflow accepts whichever subset of common wireline curves is available for a given well, allowing lithofacies prediction even in older or incomplete datasets.

Case studies using legacy data illustrate how DUG’s workflow delivers insight beyond speed alone. Artificial intelligence (AI)-generated lithofacies predictions highlighted subtle inconsistencies caused by density spiking and sonic cycle skipping – issues that were not immediately apparent in conventional single-well analysis. By flagging these intervals, the workflow guided targeted quality control and conditional correction, improving multi-well correlation without introducing artificial geological trends.

Rather than obscuring interpretation, DUG’s workflow makes inconsistencies visible – highlighting where log behaviour departs from rock physics expectations and directing interpreter attention where it is most needed.

This work will be presented by DUG’s machine learning software engineer, Kyle Rosa, at the SEG | DGS | SPE KSA Workshop: Bridging the Gap: Geosciences to Engineering in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, from 10–12 February 2026.

As geoscience datasets continue to grow in size and complexity, AI-augmented interpretation workflows help enable faster, more consistent subsurface decisions – without removing the interpreter from the decision-making loop.

The NFPS project will help QatarEnergy LNG hit its production optimisation goals. 

QatarEnergy LNG has onboarded Saipem, along with Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd. (COOEC), for the delivery of offshore engineering procurement construction and installation (EPCI) services

Known to be the largest 'non-associated' natural gas field off the north-eastern coast of Qatar, the NFPS project is being leveraged by QatarEnergy LNG to hit its production optimisation goals. 

Worth around US$4bn, the contract requires the partners to provide a COMP5 package for the North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) Offshore Compression Complexes project.

Spanning over a service period of five years, Saipem will be covering engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of two compression complexes, each including a compression platform, a living quarter platform, a flare platform supporting the gas combustion system, and the related interconnecting bridges. These complexes, which will be weighing no less than 68,000 tons each, and other offshore installations will be carried out by Saipem''s De He construction vessel. 

Currently Saipem is executing the previously ordered contracts on the same project, involving the EPCI COMP2 and COMP3 packages.

Saipem's complicated, large-scale services are supported by five fabrication yards and an offshore fleet of 17 construction vessels owned and 12 drilling rigs, of which 9 owned. The company's approach to major projects involves sustainability and digital innovation. 

AmerCable can withstand harshest drilling environments.

For over 25 years, Shaksy International has established itself as a leading supplier and stocking distributor of electrical products for the oil, gas and energy sectors 

With recent strategic expansions into Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, the company is strengthening its regional presence to offer even more localised support. As part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, Shaksy International, in collaboration with its principal partners, participated in recent ADIPEC 2025. The event showed an extensive range of products tailored to meet the demanding needs of the energy industry.

One of the highlights of the event was Shaksy International's AmerCable (USA), including advanced energy cables and top drive service loops. These service loops are engineered to withstand the harshest land and offshore drilling environments. AmerCable offers two key types of service loops: traditional hose-encased versions and the revolutionary AmerLink jacketed service loops, a patented innovation designed for superior performance in extreme conditions.

Manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in El Dorado, Arkansas, and Houston, Texas, each AmerCable service loop is rigorously tested and weatherproofed before reaching clients. These loops are engineered to endure the intense operational stresses encountered during well drilling, ensuring reliability and safety. All AmerCable systems comply with IEEE Std 2740-2020 standards.

The groundbreaking AmerLink jacketed top drive service loop represents a significant advancement over conventional hose-encased designs. Featuring reinforced industrial-strength protective jackets with stainless steel armoring and aramid fibers, these loops are built to support heavy loads and dynamic forces, all while preventing water ingress. The design offers a 58% improvement in pull-out and breaking strength, greatly enhancing durability and operational safety.

In addition to power cables and service loops, Shaksy International is the exclusive distributor for Emerson Appleton electrical products—trusted globally for their reliability in hazardous and demanding environments. Focused on sectors such as energy, refining, petrochemical processing, construction, defense, and power, Shaksy International has earned a reputation for providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

The company maintains a substantial stock of explosion-proof materials, offshore marine equipment, drilling rig cables, connectors, lighting fixtures, and more, ensuring rapid delivery and comprehensive support. Shaksy International remains committed to delivering superior products and services, driving innovation and customer satisfaction across the region. For more information, visit their website at www.shaksyint.com or contact the sales team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..