The oil and gas industry is experiencing a major technological leap with the latest innovation in drilling automation. Halliburton and Sekal AS have successfully deployed the world’s first automated on-bottom drilling system for Equinor on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This milestone sets a new standard for autonomous well construction, improving efficiency, safety, and precision.
The Game-Changing Innovation
At the heart of this breakthrough is the seamless integration of Halliburton’s LOGIX™ autonomous drilling platform with Sekal’s Drilltronics® and the rig’s automation control system. This cutting-edge, closed-loop control solution enables:
- Autonomous directional drilling – Optimizes well placement in real-time.
- Automated wellbore hydraulics management – Ensures pressure stability and mitigates drilling risks.
- Dynamic control of surface rig equipment – Enhances safety and efficiency.
With the push of a single button, drilling parameters adjust in real-time. The system relies on advanced models of subsurface conditions, wellbore fluids, and pressure systems. This high level of automation reduces human intervention, minimizes errors, and enhances operational consistency.
Why This Matters for the Oil and Gas Industry
The deployment of automated on-bottom drilling technology offers several advantages:
- Improved well placement precision – AI-driven adjustments optimize drilling paths.
- Enhanced safety – Reduces manual operations, lowering the risk of human error.
- Increased operational efficiency – Automated systems allow faster drilling and better decision-making, reducing downtime and costs.
- Environmental benefits – Optimized drilling reduces waste and emissions by improving resource utilization.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Josh Sears, Halliburton’s Senior Vice President for Drilling and Evaluation, emphasized that this achievement highlights the power of autonomous drilling. It has the potential to transform well placement and rig process automation. Likewise, Sekal CEO Jarle Vaag underscored the importance of integrated automation in shaping the future of drilling technology.
What’s Next?
As automation continues to gain traction in the oil and gas sector, Halliburton and Sekal’s success paves the way for broader adoption of AI-driven drilling technologies. This breakthrough could lead to increased investment in digital drilling solutions. As a result, operational risks will decrease while sustainability improves across the industry.
Final Thoughts
Halliburton and Sekal’s pioneering effort proves the growing role of automation in the energy sector. By executing the first-ever automated on-bottom drilling system, they have set a new benchmark for efficiency, safety, and innovation in well construction.
With the energy industry constantly evolving, automation-driven solutions like these will shape the future of oil and gas exploration. Stay tuned for more advancements as companies push the boundaries of drilling technology.
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Article derived from:
Halliburton, & StockTitan. (2025, February 26). How Halliburton’s Revolutionary Drilling Technology Could Transform North Sea Operations. StockTitan. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/HAL/halliburton-and-sekal-deliver-world-s-first-automated-on-bottom-l6c19unmbloj.html
Anderson, P. (2025, March 3). Halliburton, Sekal Make Drilling Automation Breakthrough. RIGZONE Empowering People in Oil and Gas. https://www.rigzone.com/news/halliburton_sekal_make_drilling_automation_breakthrough-03-mar-2025-179798-article/
