CRITICAL ISSUES IN DRILLING & COMPLETIONS
we’ve seen large production gains with
easily executable optimizations.
In 2023, we implemented a real-time
perforation optimization that was spurred
by the high treating pressures we saw
when pumping 90% recycled produced
water in our Tupper Montney asset. This
led to record production levels for us in
Canada. I’m also optimistic about refracs. We’ve
had tremendous success re-entering and
pumping our optimized frac designs on
parent wells as part of our development
program. It’s remarkable that we’re out-
performing initial production rates on
wells that have been producing for over
a decade.
Looking to the future, I think there is
more we can do to leverage data from
existing wells. In the Eagle Ford, we have
nearly 1,000 wells drilled and completed,
totaling more than 1.925 million ft of lat-
erals. In some of that footage, we have
permanent fiber optics installed along the
wellbore – now that’s big data!
You’ve spoken in the past about the
importance of oil and gas evolving in
the ESG space. What steps do you
think the industry needs to take to fur-
ther that evolution?
At Murphy, we’re fortunate to be able
to experiment with various methods that
allow us to learn and adapt quickly in
this space. Building on our successful dis-
placement of diesel with natural gas on
“Petrobras innovations,”
continued from page 17
We are talking about all projects.
Revitalization projects are a great exam-
ple of the energy trilemma: more produc-
tion, less emissions and lower costs.
One highlight is the Marlim field’s
revitalization, featuring the replacement
of nine platforms with two new FPSOs,
which started production in May and
August 2023 and present a combined
150,000 BPD oil production capacity and
a 560,000 BPD liquids-processing capac-
ity. both rigs and frac fleets, we’re now pilot-
ing additives and even hydrogen in our
onshore business. When these pilots are
successful, we can easily translate any
learnings into offshore.
On top of that, we’re continuing to
reduce our water intensity through the
creation of an onshore water management
app that allows transparency of the full
water lifecycle.
As an operator, what do you think of
the investments drillers have made in
emissions reduction technologies like
battery energy storage systems?
There have been strides on that front.
We’re constantly challenging our service
partners to innovate within this space,
and we’ll support that innovation through
a variety of pilot programs and partner-
ships. Regarding battery storage systems,
Murphy is going to begin utilizing those
in our onshore drilling program starting
in 2024. Focusing on Scope 1 emissions,
specifically power management, we feel
there are quick wins that are easy to
implement, and we’re continuing to trial
technologies that will further reduce our
carbon footprint.
The recruitment and retention of
young talent hat been identified as
one of the key factors in helping the
industry sustain its future in the long
term. What can the industry do better
Both new FPSOs feature technologies to
reduce emissions, such as high-efficiency
burners, nitrogen assistance, cogeneration
and low fugitive emissions valves.
Additionally, new well construction
techniques and designs are being applied,
whereby fewer sections are drilled and
less tripping is required, reducing con-
struction time and, thus, contributing to
lower emissions while maintaining safety
and integrity.
Furthermore, the Marlim revitaliza-
tion also includes the decommissioning
of nine platforms following the green
decommissioning model.
to help bring them into the fold and
keep them here?
I can say from Murphy’s perspective,
all of our departments, including drilling
and completions, are invested in work-
force training, rotational development
programs and one-on-one mentorships to
support our business strategy. Our teams
are designed to attract and retain top tal-
ent, both in the office and in the field. We
want to empower employees at all levels
and foster leadership opportunities. Now,
we’re embracing technology to automate
routine tasks, but this will allow our
skilled workforce to focus on more com-
plex activities.
In summer 2023, our D&C and subsur-
face teams collaborated by hiring two
data science interns through the Murphy
Internship Program. One participant was
a PhD student studying medical data sci-
ence. This person had zero energy indus-
try experience coming in, but in just 10
weeks they were able to solve a complex
data challenge associated with fiber in
horizontal onshore wells. I think collabo-
rations like this highlight the potential of
an important new pipeline of workers.
We need to promote diversity across all
backgrounds, including but not limited
to field of study and experience, gender,
race, ethnicity and more. Diversity is key
to helping us innovate and solve complex
problems, so we’re constantly working to
bring talented individuals into our indus-
try and retain them. DC
Under that model, the focus is on gen-
erating value and promoting a circular
economy, safety and respect for people
and the environment, aligned with the
best ESG practices in the global industry.
It also involves the abandonment of 90
wells and 1,200 km of pipelines, bringing
improvements in efficiency and reliabil-
ity. As a result of the reduction in the num-
ber of platforms in operation in both fields
and the implementation of new technolo-
gies, there will be a 55% reduction of green-
house gas emissions per year from station-
ary production units. DC
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