Downhole drilling solutions specialist Churchill Drilling Tools continues to expand in the Middle East – and its success has been underpinned by recent successful applications of its innovative HyPR HoleSaver™ technology in the region
Speaking to Oil Review Middle East at ADIPEC, Churchill’s general manager for its business in the Middle East and Asia, Nicholas Kjaer, said, “Since entering this market four years ago, we have expanded our operational base in Abu Dhabi and developed a significant footprint throughout the GCC as clients see the benefits of our innovative technology – making their operations safer, faster and more cost efficient.”
Earlier this year, the company had a “major breakthrough” with its HyPR HoleSaver technology, the world’s first hydraulic pipe recovery system, which enables operators to sever their drilling string in just a few hours and recover quickly and safely from stuck pipe incidents. Unlike traditional stuck pipe methods, it requires no additional topside equipment or personnel.
“Many companies enter the market with new technology. However, it’s not about being first, it’s about having an application which meets the needs of the operator,” stressed Kjaer. “That is why the HyPR has taken off. Stuck pipe usually halts drilling operations until the pipe can be freed – adding millions of dollars to the cost of a drilling campaign. This simple but innovative technology provides a safe, quick and cost-effective method of freeing stuck pipe.”
“We’ve had four successful HyPR cuts in around four months with different operators in the Middle East, cementing this technology in the region. It further demonstrates that our operators are at the forefront of new technology and willing to push the boundaries of innovation to improve operations,” he continued. “Word is spreading fast, and we’re already seeing a huge demand for this technology. Pre-placed in the string, operators recognise that activating the HyPR to recover from stuck pipe can save days, if not weeks of delays mobilising specialist personnel or high energy equipment.”
At ADIPEC, the company displayed one of these HyPR cuts. It was a record-breaking sever, completed in just 60 minutes by a UAE-based operator. Kjaer added that the company prides itself on being operators’ most valued partners for downhole circulation, and makes its expertise and support readily available. It continues to break records with its DAV MX™ CircSub downhole circulation tool, which has celebrated more than 2,300 runs worldwide.
And there is no let-up in innovation and the development of new technology. “We always have new technology on the drawing board,” said Kjaer, explaining that as a flexible, adaptive and innovation-focused organisation it is often approached to find solutions to specific client challenges.
“Our products are state of the art and manufactured with the best possible materials,” he stressed. “This makes it suitable for demanding applications including sour gas. Indeed, with the increased focus of operators on gas, Churchill’s technologies are increasingly catering to this market.”
Turning to its market plans Kjaer commented, “The UAE remains our first and main hub for the Middle East and Asia, and we see continuing growth potential for us here for years to come. We are hiring more people, expanding our local manufacturing footprint and growing our operations base.”
While it has a significant footprint in the GCC and indeed globally, Churchill is selective about the markets it enters. “The demand for our technology is there. Our concern is that when we do enter a certain market, we are able to give the right support to our clients. Available 24/7, we aim to become an extension of the drilling team – we really do partner with our clients. We won’t enter a market unless we know we have the right resources to partner our clients 100 per cent. Combined with the effectiveness of our tools, our partnership approach explains why we’re successful, why our clients keep coming back to us and why we continue to grow. We won’t compromise on the service quality we provide our clients.”
While the localisation requirement has a big impact, it ties in with Churchill’s strategic focus. “Strategically, we tend to do business with a set-up that involves a significant local contribution. We manufacture locally and partner with many local organisations, thereby ensuring we play our part in contributing to the overall local economy.”
Kjaer is optimistic about future prospects. “If you have a combination of innovative technology that brings added value to the client, an experienced and highly skilled support team available 24/7, a commitment to partner with clients to understand their challenges and come up with solutions to become more efficient, then almost anyone will listen and talk to you about doing business. That has been the case for Churchill since we established in the Middle East four years ago, and I see that continuing.”
