SLB and Velesto go in hot pursuit of rig performance optimization

U.S.-headquartered technology player SLB has joined forces with Velesto Drilling, a subsidiary of Malaysia-based Velesto Energy, to take rig capabilities to a new level by employing digital tools to enhance drilling performance.

Velesto and SLB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at an event in Monaco to embark on a three-year collaboration, which will see the latter deploy its DrillOps Intelligent Well Delivery and Insights Solutions alongside its Drilling Emissions Management Solutions on Malaysian player’s undisclosed rigs.

Megat Zariman Abdul Rahim, President of Velesto, commented: “This agreement represents a significant shift in our approach to enhancing our rig technical capabilities. By integrating high quality service, safety and, the latest in digital and technological advancements, we are committed to delivering high performance and efficient outcomes for our clients.”

According to the rig owner, these digital solutions have been designed to improve and strengthen drilling performance and monitor emissions to unlock commercial potential for both players. The MoU is said to reflect the duo’s commitment to exploring new opportunities and delivering mutual benefits in a bid to pave the way for innovative approaches to meet industry challenges.

Velesto recently completed a mandatory five-year special periodical survey (SPS) for one of its jack-up rigs, which is expected to return to Sarawak to continue its drilling assignment with Petronas.

SLB is part of a trio that launched the Turnwell joint venture in charge of handling an initial 144-well drilling program, whose completion has been accelerated to unlock unconventional oil and gas resources by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Following Turnwell’s start-up and operational delivery, ADNOC sped up the campaign’s completion timeline and indicated the potential acceleration of phase two with thousands of wells on the cards.

The U.S. technology firm made inroads with Equinor in bringing fully autonomous drilling operations to life while drilling a well section offshore Brazil. The company also launched a compact methane instrument to enable low-cost, mass deployment of accurate, and continuous methane monitoring across oil and gas operations.