This session presents a comprehensive overview of the key operations and considerations involved in both deepwater and onshore drilling projects, with a focus on rig start-up processes, cementing design and operations, jetting techniques, rig selection, and well control. It emphasises the challenges and strategies associated with starting up rigs for both land-based and deepwater operations, highlighting the specific methodologies required for rig mobilisation, commissioning, and operational readiness.

The session explores cementing design, focusing on the development of efficient operations that ensure well integrity and operational safety. Jetting operations, particularly in deepwater environments, are also examined, detailing the techniques used to jet the seabed for drilling and wellhead installations.

Additionally, rig sizing and selection are discussed, highlighting the factors that influence rig choice based on well depth, environmental conditions, and operational requirements. The session also covers drilling service contracting, outlining the negotiation and management of service agreements that support cost-effective and efficient drilling operations.

Finally, well control is addressed, with an emphasis on safety protocols, risk mitigation strategies, and the technologies used to prevent and manage blowout incidents.

While easily accessible hydrocarbons have largely been depleted, significant quantities of oil remain in proven reserves, awaiting exploitation. However, current recovery efforts have yet to achieve above-average recovery rates. This session aims to explore innovative approaches that could enhance recovery factors. Topics will include the challenges associated with brownfield projects, the selection of enhanced oil recovery methods, types of unconventional reservoirs, facility bottlenecks, and the economics underpinning these strategies.

Additionally, we will highlight emerging technologies, such as flexible pipelines for early production, which offer a versatile solution for transporting hydrocarbons efficiently from remote locations to processing facilities, thereby minimising lead times and optimising production schedules.

The oil and gas industry continues to advance through the adoption of next-generation technologies that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across drilling and production activities. Key innovations include next-generation Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), which are transforming subsea inspection, intervention, and monitoring through greater autonomy, extended endurance, and reduced human exposure to hazardous environments.

In well operations, mechanised Tubular Running Services (TRS) improve the speed, precision, and safety of casing and tubular deployment, significantly lowering non-productive time and manual handling risks. On the production side, plunger lift systems provide a cost-effective artificial lift solution, particularly in gas wells, by enhancing liquid unloading and extending well life without the need for continuous external power.

Drilling efficiency and reservoir understanding are further optimised through Logging While Drilling (LWD) and Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technologies, which enable real-time data acquisition for geosteering, formation evaluation, and wellbore stability management. Finally, production flow assurance technologies—including advanced chemical treatments, thermal management, and real-time monitoring systems—ensure the uninterrupted flow of hydrocarbons by mitigating issues such as hydrate formation, wax deposition, and scaling.

Together, these innovations support safer, smarter, and more sustainable hydrocarbon development in increasingly complex operating environments.

As the oil and gas industry continues to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, digital transformation has become a cornerstone of operational excellence and strategic resilience. This session will explore the convergence of advanced technologies and data-driven methodologies that are redefining how energy organisations operate, innovate, and compete.

Attendees will gain insights into the power of production analytics and the critical role data plays in enhancing decision-making across complex operations. The transformative potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be examined, highlighting their ability to streamline workflows, anticipate challenges, and enhance both safety and efficiency. The session will also delve into the impact of real-time data transmission from drilling environments, demonstrating how continuous data flow supports predictive analysis and dynamic system optimisation.

In addition, participants will explore digital strategies for real-time production management, emphasising the importance of instantaneous monitoring and adaptive control in maintaining performance targets.

Bringing together leading experts and real-world case studies, this session offers a forward-looking perspective on how digital solutions are not only improving today’s efficiencies but also laying the foundation for a more agile and sustainable energy future.

In pursuit of maximising energy output, the continuous sharing of case histories and best practices remains vital for advancing drilling and production performance. This session will spotlight real-world examples from operating companies, highlighting lessons learned and innovative approaches that contribute to operational efficiency and digital transformation.

Topics will include optimising flowline production capacities through the strategic application of chemicals, enhancing gas lift systems, and improving gas evacuation. The role of advanced drilling fluids in boosting drilling efficiency, as well as the use of production chemicals to mitigate seasonal challenges, will also be addressed.

Through this exchange, we aim to foster collaboration and uncover cost-effective solutions that will shape the future of our operations.