ExxonMobil, Halliburton achieve automated well placement first in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, March 17, 2026 – ExxonMobil and Halliburton have achieved the world’s first fully closed-loop automated geological well placement in Guyana, marking a milestone in offshore digital well construction, Halliburton said on Monday.

The project was delivered with Sekal, Noble and the Wells Alliance Guyana team and combined rig automation, automated subsurface interpretation, well placement and real-time hydraulics. Halliburton used LOGIX orchestration, automated geosteering with the EarthStar ultra-deep resistivity service and Sekal’s DrillTronics to create an integrated closed-loop system.

“Our teams create new performance levels when subsurface insight, automation, and drilling systems operate through one closed-loop automation system,” Halliburton vice-president Jim Collins said. “This achievement demonstrates how collaboration and advanced automation can transform well construction efficiency and reliability,” ExxonMobil vice-president Rod Henson said.

Halliburton said the reservoir section finished about 15% ahead of plan and tripping operations reduced time by about 33%. The system also placed about 470 meters of the lateral section in the reservoir with active automated geosteering and inclination corrections.

Halliburton provides products and services across the lifecycle of oil and gas assets in more than 80 countries, including drilling, evaluation and production solutions. ExxonMobil is the leading operator in Guyana’s offshore sector, driving large-scale oilfield developments and production growth in the country.

Read our latest insights on: