RDCR 2017: Russia’s Leading Drilling and Well and Engineering Forum Celebrates its 5th Anniversary
For the 5th year running, the leading figures involved in Russia’s well engineering sector gathered at the Kempinski Baltschug Hotel to discuss industry challenges at the RDCR. This year’s event saw a record attendance – with over 280 delegates coming to participate in the presentations and join in the lively debate discussing how to improve Russia’s O&G sector.
As with any event, quantity does not necessary mean quality. With the RDCR and our sister event the KDR in Kazakhstan, you can have both. Over 150 separate companies represented:
•35 National and International Operators
• 22 Drilling Contractors
• 97 Technology and Service Companies
“Truly excellent roundtable discussions…”
With such a high level line up from across the entire regional drilling value chain – heated and challenging discussion topics and presentations were expected, and that is exactly what was delivered. Debates focussed on the quality of the service or offering available in the market, budgetary constraints, required technologies for future wells, improving efficiencies and matching international norms.
Drilling and Completion specialists from operators such as Rosneft, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil and Salym Petroleum presented on their latest in-field developments and operations, whilst engaging in roundtable discussion with the leading regional drilling contractors as well as leading regional and international suppliers of drilling related equipment and services.
The forum had two tracks, with Hall 1 focusing on Drilling Services and Hall 2 focusing on Drilling Equipment and Control. Each hall had four scheduled roundtable discussions covering pre-set topics, with in depth technical presentations starting off each panel session.
Before the panel sessions started, the entire RDCR delegation gathered in the Vladimir Ball Room of the Kempinski Baltschug Hotel to listen to Alexey Cherepanov, In-House Oil Service Efficiency Program Manager for Gazprom Neft, and Ruslan Kalmanov, Project Manager for Gazpromneft NTC, make the Keynote speech. They focused on the development of advanced drilling services in Russia, specifically drilling technology advances and the use of hi tech rigs to increase efficiency. Despite the size of this hall – there was standing room only!
Great Audience Participation, Challenging the Presenters
During the ensuing Q&A, Gazprom Neft were asked the following questions:
• Lenar Nazipov from Tatburneft, wanted to know their plans where in terms of dealing with production restrictions under the recent OPEC Agreement. Alexey Cherepanov responded that maintaining the current level, as well as drilling more aggressively, would help them to manage the situation.
• Alexander Larionov from Gazprom Bureniye, questioned how the US manage to drill 70% faster. Alexei Cherepanov explained that, as per the statistics, such result was obtained through highly motivated drilling teams and innovative technology. Albert Iskhakov, Tatburneft, further noted that the operators and drilling contractors report their research findings to the national statistics office and this information is available to anybody who is interested
• Ilia Matveev from Rosneft, asked if, in accordance with the law, operators should make a choice based on the lowest price or the lowest adjusted price. Alexey Cherepanov responded that it depends on the efficiency indicators used by the contractor.
• The forum participants further asked how they can become the Gazprom Neft’s contractors. Alexey Cherepanov responded that any contractor can engage in bidding.
• Vitaly Pakeev from Phoenix Technology Services, observed that the uptake of new generation drilling rigs has been slow not just in Russia, but globally. He went on to say that the increase in efficiency that we are witnessing is because of automated drilling technologies.
• Ildar Burganov from Tatburneft asked whether the company was considering relaxing its accreditation procedure, and whether Gazprom Neft’s professionals recognized the best crews of Russia’s other leading operators. Alexey Cherepanov responded that the accreditation procedure would not, most likely, be changed. He went on to say that there is an internal crew rating within the company, but if required a general rating can be set up.
• The forum participants were further curious to know how Gazprom Neft utilizes the experience from other government owned companies. Alexey Cherepanov admitted that there is of yet no sharing of experience.
Hall 1:
Drilling Services
Following this presentation, the participants split into the two different technology tracks. Hall One continued with presentations from Rinat Shafigullin, Deputy General Director for Workover, Drilling & Enhanced Oil Recovery at Tatneft, looking at New Organizational Approaches to Well Construction. Akikat Makhmotov, Reservoir Domain Champion at Schlumberger then presented on the Benefits of Applying Pressure and Mobility Measurements in Well Construction.
The second two sessions, punctuated with a morning coffee break and then lunch, saw presentations from Rosneft, Lukoil, Sakhalin Energy and BP, all of which ensured great questions and answer sessions.
The 4th session in hall one saw an expanded version of the RDCR’s well know hardbanding panel session. SSC presented on their recently commissioned hardbanding tribological report (Which is available to read in this issue). The post presentation Q&A generated a lot of interest and discussion from applicators, drilling contractors and the operators themselves, some of whom thanked SSC for conducting this research and stating that it would benefit the entire industry. Harbdanding Solutions Europe and Arnco Technologies followed on by discussing their hardbanding wires, customer support, re-application and removal solutions. They also discussed further areas for wire selection and consideration which were not covered within the test.
National Oilwell Varco, Grant Prideco and Tuboscope completed the session by looking at the new Delta premium connection and also Tubsocope’s pipe life cycle management systems.
Hall Two: Drilling Equipment and Control
of Operations
Hall Two followed the same format with some excellent presentations and discussions coming from, Novatek, Gazprom-Neft, Salym Petroleum and Tatburneft, with event sponsors MTU, Drillmec, McCoy, Forum B&V, Siemens, ABB, and Caterpillar presenting on how their lasts technologies can help increase efficiency and cut costs.
This theme carried on throughout the forum, with regional operators presenting their challenges and success stories, followed by drillers and service companies presenting on the latest solutions that they had to offer.
Following these presentations, high level representatives from the regional operators and drilling contractors, alongside sponsoring technology and services providers – engaged in discussion and knowledge sharing roundtable sessions. This allowed the entire drilling
value chain, from asset owners, to service and technology companies, to knowledge share, understand best practice and learn from each other to drive the sector forward.
Industry Leading Networking Opportunities at the RDCR
The day was split with extended coffee breaks which gave speakers, roundtable participants as well as general delegates the chance to interact, share ideas and further discuss the topics from each session.
A 5 star gourmet sit-down lunch was offered to all participants who were able to enjoy some fine wine with their food, whilst continuing discussions and interactions with new friends and old alike.
Following a long day, all delegates were treated to a gala reception, open bar and evening entertainment provided by Moscow’s own “Clothes Swapping” duo!
The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive – and it is clear to see the by the familiar faces that return year on year that RDCR is favourite among those involved in this sector.
We would like to thank all delegates, speakers and roundtable members that attended. Most importantly – we would like to thank all our sponsors, without whom it would be impossible to put on the RDCR.
GOLD
Sponsors
–
MTU
and
Siemens
SILVER Sponsors – Postle Industries, Arnco Technology, Burtechnologii, NOV, McCoy Global, Drillmec, ABB, Schlumberger, Caterpillar and Schramm
We are already preparing for the 6th RDCR in 2018 – and look forward to any feedback and seeing you
all there!
