< PreviousPARTNER CONTENT oilandgasmiddleeast.com20 November 2024 REDEFINING SURVEY AND DATA ACQUISITION WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES Driving innovation in survey and data acquisition, Front End empowers the energy, mining, and logistics sectors with advanced AI, quantum computing, and autonomous technologies for precise, actionable insights By Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO, Front End drones, autonomous systems, and satellite technology to deliver precise results. Our use of AI enhances data interpretation by automating complex processes and revealing patterns that traditional methods may miss, enabling faster, data-driven decision-making that improves project timelines and outcomes. Through HPC, we manage vast amounts of geospatial and geophysical data with unparalleled speed and accuracy, meeting the computational demands of complex survey projects. Quantum computing provides additional processing power, allowing us to handle intricate simulations and ensure reliable, in-depth insights. Complementing these capabilities, airborne drones and autonomous systems enable real-time data collection and monitoring across hard-to-access areas, increasing Front End stands as an industry leader in survey and data acquisition, driving innovation within the energy, mining, and logistics sectors. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), quantum computing, drones, autonomous systems, and satellite technology—we redefine the capabilities of data collection, processing, and analysis. This commitment to advanced solutions empowers our clients with precise, actionable insights for effective planning and seamless project execution, even in the most challenging environments. REVOLUTIONISING DATA ACQUISITION The data acquisition landscape is evolving rapidly, and Front End is at the forefront, utilising AI, HPC, quantum computing, efficiency and accuracy. Satellite technology further expands our reach, providing a continuous stream of high-resolution imagery and data for comprehensive environmental assessment. Together, this blend of AI, HPC, quantum computing, and advanced surveying technologies sets Front End apart in delivering impactful survey and data acquisition solutions, meeting the unique needs of clients in energy, mining, and beyond. COMPREHENSIVE CAPABILITIES FOR ENERGY AND MINING Front End’s services span a full range of offerings tailored for energy, mining, and related sectors: • Geophysical and Hydrographic Surveys: High-precision data acquisition for OAG_Nov2024_20-21_Front End_13433203.indd 2028/10/2024 21:49PARTNER CONTENT oilandgasmiddleeast.comNovember 2024 21 Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO, Front End foundational insights critical to project success. • Airborne and Satellite Surveys: Real-time, expansive data collection across diverse terrains, providing a complete environmental picture. • Seismic and Exploration Services: Specialised expertise in seismic and exploration for effective resource identification and extraction. • Subsea Positioning and Construction Support: Precise guidance and monitoring for underwater operations to ensure accuracy and safety. • Metocean Analysis: Comprehensive environmental data to optimise project planning, enhance operational performance, and minimise environmental impact. • Marine Charter and Offshore Vessel Support: Chartering marine vessels for offshore projects, enabling efficient logistics, equipment mobilisation, and stability in remote marine environments. Supported by our specialised geomatics and geospatial engineers, Front End delivers robust solutions for data acquisition and project support across the most challenging settings. By deploying innovative survey techniques and next-generation technology, we empower clients with the insights necessary for confident, informed decisions at every project stage. TRANSFORMING THE SAUDI LANDSCAPE Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, Front End is committed to supporting the Kingdom’s growth as a leader in energy, technology, and sustainability. Our work with industry leaders like Saudi Aramco exemplifies this mission. Recently, we collaborated on a project that earned the World Oil Award for Best Exploration Technology, underscoring our role in advancing digital survey techniques and pioneering resource exploration technology. This award-winning project, “Airborne Micro-TEM and Physics Deep Learning: A Solution for Seismic Near Surface Corrections in Sand-Covered Areas,” addressed the challenges posed by desert landscapes in seismic imaging. In regions where sand obstructs accurate imaging, Front End deployed advanced airborne methods, adopt best practices, and stay ahead of technological advancements in survey and data acquisition. Our success is demonstrated in the quality of projects we deliver and the recognition we receive. The World Oil Award with Saudi Aramco highlights our commitment to innovation and our role as a leader in the field. As we continue to grow, Front End remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering exceptional service to our clients. FUTURE OF SURVEYING AND DATA ACQUISITION Front End is more than a service provider; we are a visionary company shaping the future of survey and data acquisition. Through AI, HPC, quantum computing, drones, and satellite technology, we are redefining how data is collected, processed, and applied, making it more accessible, reliable, and actionable than ever. Our commitment to precision, efficiency, and sustainability makes us an ideal partner for companies seeking optimised operations and clear, data-backed insights in complex environments. Whether it’s the vast desert landscapes of Saudi Arabia or intricate offshore sites, Front End is there to provide the expertise and technology that drive progress. For companies ready to experience the future of data acquisition, Front End offers a unique opportunity to harness state-of-the- art technology and expert-driven solutions. Together, we can achieve remarkable results and shape a more innovative, sustainable future. micro-TEM (Transient Electromagnetic Method) and physics-based deep learning to correct near-surface seismic data. These innovations led to more precise imaging of subsurface formations, allowing Saudi Aramco’s exploration team to make faster, more accurate assessments of resource potential. By reducing the number of survey passes required and improving data accuracy, we minimised the project’s environmental impact while setting a new benchmark for exploration in challenging environments. This project highlights our dedication to innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship—key components of Saudi Vision 2030 and Front End’s operational philosophy. Our ability to deliver impactful digital solutions and achieve transformative results reflects our ongoing commitment to reshaping the data acquisition landscape. PRECISION DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR SURVEYING Front End’s approach to digital survey solutions offers clients the opportunity to visualise, interpret, and utilise data with unprecedented clarity. From 4D modelling to real-time data feeds from airborne and satellite sources, our platforms ensure that clients have access to accurate, actionable insights when they need them most. Our digital infrastructure seamlessly integrates with clients’ systems, offering a comprehensive view of survey data across multiple geographies and disciplines. This capability enables fast, data-driven decisions, providing our clients in energy, mining, and related industries with an essential edge. In high-stakes fields where timing and accuracy are critical, Front End’s digital approach to data acquisition is a game-changer. DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE AND CLIENT SUCCESS At Front End, we prioritise a client-focused approach, treating each project with meticulous care, precision, and dedication. Our engineers, survey specialists, and data scientists work closely with clients, customising solutions to deliver maximum value. Through a network of trusted partnerships, we continuously refine our OAG_Nov2024_20-21_Front End_13433203.indd 2128/10/2024 21:49NEWS oilandgasmiddleeast.com22 November 2024 BP ABANDONS 2030 OIL OUTPUT CUT Is the oil giant scaling back its energy transition goals? By Pooja Kapoor BP has abandoned its target to cut oil and gas output by 2030, as CEO Murray Auchincloss scales back the company’s energy transition strategy in a bid to regain investor confidence, according to a Reuters report. Originally unveiled in 2020, bp’s strategy was one of the most ambitious in the sector, pledging a 40% reduction in output by 2030 while rapidly expanding its renewable energy portfolio. However, in February last year, the company scaled back its target to a 25% reduction, leaving it producing around 2 million barrels per day by the end of the decade, as investors prioritized short-term returns over long- term energy transition goals. bp is now focusing on new investments in the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico to boost its oil and gas production, the sources revealed. Auchincloss, who took oilandgasmiddleeast.com OAG_Nov2024_22-24_BP_13417700.indd 2228/10/2024 21:50NEWS oilandgasmiddleeast.comNovember 2024 23 A rig in the Gulf of Mexico, where BP is focusing on boosting production, reflecting its recent pivot back towards oil and gas investments Xxxx xxxxx over as CEO in January, has struggled to address bp’s lagging share price, which has underperformed compared to its competitors, leading to investor concerns about the company’s profitability under its current strategy. The 54-year-old Canadian, formerly bp’s finance head, has shifted focus to profitability, prioritising investments in the most lucrative sectors, particularly oil and gas. Despite these changes, Bbp remains committed to its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Auchincloss is expected to formally present his updated strategy, including the removal of the 2030 production target, at an investor day in February. While it’s unclear if new production oilandgasmiddleeast.com guidance will be provided, sources indicate that bp has effectively already dropped the target. bp’s strategy mirrors a similar move by rival Shell, which has also slowed its energy transition efforts since CEO Wael Sawan took over in January, scaling back renewable and power projects. Despite billions invested in low-carbon businesses and a reduced focus on oil and gas exploration since 2020, supply chain challenges, rising costs, and high interest rates have pressured the profitability of renewable energy ventures. Shell announced earlier this year that it will suspend on-site construction at its biofuels plant in Rotterdam due to challenging market conditions. Shell Nederland Raffinaderij, a subsidiary of Shell, will temporarily halt construction of its 820,000-ton-per- OAG_Nov2024_22-24_BP_13417700.indd 2329/10/2024 17:52NEWS year biofuels facility at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The pause is intended to “address project delivery and ensure future competitiveness given current market conditions,” the company stated. BP’S UPCOMING VENTURES bp is currently in talks for three new projects in Iraq, including a development at the Majnoon field, according to sources. The company holds a 50% stake in a joint venture at the Rumaila oilfield in southern Iraq, where it has operated for nearly a century. In August, bp signed a deal with the Iraqi government to explore and develop the Kirkuk oilfield, which includes plans to build power plants and solar capacity. The new contracts are expected to offer more favourable profit-sharing terms compared to previous agreements. In the Gulf of Mexico, bp plans to move forward with developing the Kaskida reservoir and is considering redeveloping fields in Kuwait. The company is also weighing the acquisition of assets in the Permian shale basin, where it has added over 2 billion barrels to its reserves since acquiring the business in 2019. In recent months, Auchincloss has paused investments in new offshore wind and biofuel projects and significantly reduced bp’s portfolio of low-carbon hydrogen projects from 30 to 10. However, despite these cutbacks, bp has strengthened its position in solar energy by acquiring the remaining 50% stake in its solar joint venture Lightsource bp and has also expanded its presence in biofuels by acquiring a 50% stake in the Brazilian business Bunge, underscoring its continued commitment to renewable energy ventures. THE WAY AHEAD After years of investing in areas like wind, solar, biofuels, hydrogen, and carbon capture, oil giants are finding that building new markets from the ground up is more complex than anticipated. The challenges include rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and the slower- than-expected adoption of renewable technologies. Companies are still grappling with how to strike a balance between focusing on their core business operations and delivering substantial returns while maintaining a commitment to net-zero emission. Although energy giants have made strides in the energy transition, it’s clear that there is still a significant journey ahead. Achieving this balance will require not only technological advancements but also continued regulatory support and investment in infrastructure. Once a leader in the energy transition, BP now refocuses on oil and gas, scaling back its ambitious 2030 production cuts oilandgasmiddleeast.com24 November 2024oilandgasmiddleeast.com OAG_Nov2024_22-24_BP_13417700.indd 2429/10/2024 17:52KANOO itp.indd 129/10/2024 14:05EXCLUSIVE oilandgasmiddleeast.com26 November 2024 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: TOTALENERGIES’ SUSTAINABLE WELL OPERATIONS In conversation with Thomas Gautherot, VP of Drilling & Wells at TotalEnergies By Pooja Kapoor The world is looking towards a more sustainable energy future and the construction of wells has emerged as a critical area of focus within the oil and gas industry. In this feature, we dive into the innovative strategies and practices employed by TotalEnergies to ensure that well construction and drilling operations align with sustainability goals and ultimately leave behind a positive environmental impact. What role does digital technology, particularly AI, play in optimising well operations? Digital technology plays multiple roles in well operations, particularly in improving safety and performance. One of the key areas where AI has shown great value is in detecting potential well control situations. We’ve developed a machine learning tool that monitors well parameters and can identify situations that could escalate into well control issues, enhancing the overall safety of our operations. Another significant area is automation. We’ve piloted several automation initiatives, and what we’re seeing is an increase in operational consistency. EXCLUSIVE OAG_Nov2024_26-28_Total Energies_13422774.indd 2628/10/2024 21:51EXCLUSIVE oilandgasmiddleeast.comNovember 2024 27 Thomas Gautherot, VP of Drilling & Wells at TotalEnergies By reducing the number of manual decisions drillers need to make, we avoid the variability that comes with human intervention, leading to more repeatable and predictable operations. Additionally, we’re leveraging AI for performance benchmarking. Every time we repeat an operation, we can now compare it with the best-performing operations from the past, adjusting parameters in real-time to optimise performance. This has been an excellent tool for improving performance. Data analytics also plays a huge role. Despite generating large amounts of data, a lot of our reporting is still manual. Digital tools now allow us to automate much of that process, making it easier for our teams in the field to focus on more critical tasks. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in incorporating this technology into existing practices? There are certainly challenges, particularly in developing and implementing technology that is truly fit for purpose. One of the key hurdles is ensuring that the technology we deploy is 100% reliable, especially for front-line users like drillers, who have an enormous responsibility for the safety and success of their operations. It’s like giving an airplane pilot a new tool—you need to be absolutely certain it adds real value and improves their ability to do their job better than before. The world is increasingly focused on sustainability, especially in the oil and gas industry. How is TotalEnergies incorporating sustainability into its well and drilling operations? Sustainability is our core focus. Initially, our main concern was reducing CO2 emissions in our operations, and now our sustainability agenda has broadened to encompass energy consumption, environmental impact, and care for the people involved. We also focus on creating positive impacts in the communities around our sites. One practical example is in reducing emissions and energy consumption during drilling. Most of our land rigs now use hybrid systems, combining traditional power with battery storage to reduce the number of diesel generators in use. In some cases, we even power rigs directly from the grid if it’s supplied by green electricity. For deep-water operations, we use fuel additives to optimise efficiency, for our diesel-powered generators. We’ve also focused on methane emissions, ensuring we minimise venting during well intervention operations. What are the biggest challenges in implementing sustainable practices, particularly in older oil and gas fields? The company is committed to reaching net zero globally by 2050 OAG_Nov2024_26-28_Total Energies_13422774.indd 2728/10/2024 21:51EXCLUSIVE The main challenge is still culture. For many years, sustainability wasn’t at the top of the agenda in the industry. While we’ve made significant progress in embedding safety into our operations over the last 20 years, we now need to do the same for sustainability. Changing this mindset takes time. It’s a long journey, but one that we are committed to it in a concrete way, we have plenty of programs and training initiatives for the same. I can give you an example—last year, I visited a rig where the lights were left on during daylight hours. We turned them off, but when I visited again this year, the lights were back on. This shows that while we can implement changes, we need to keep reinforcing them. What are the key elements of sustainable well design, and how is TotalEnergies innovating in this area? One interesting aspect of well design is that the emissions generated during well construction (scope 1) are almost equal to those generated by the supply chain necessary to drill this well (scope 3 upstream). So, we focus at optimising both. The first thing that we focus on to reduce the impact of the well is to drill less wells. : We spend a lot of time optimising the well production recovery versus well design to make sure that the overall fuel development is optimised in terms of the number of wells. A big challenge is aligning the energy consumption of rigs with actual needs, especially offshore where rigs are often overpowered. We’re working to better match energy demand with the capacity of the rigs to avoid unnecessary consumption. Another innovation is the use of green products in our drilling fluids. We are lucky enough in TotalEnergies to have a dedicated branch in the company that develops bio sourced products for a drilling applications. We’ve developed bio-based lubricants for water-based drilling fluids, and bio based oil that was recently used as world first on a recent exploration in Congo. How do you see TotalEnergies leading in the upstream sector over the next decade? We plan to systematically deploy our sustainability agenda across all operations, even in countries where regulations may not be require it. We’re committed to reaching net zero globally by 2050, and that includes making our drilling operations as sustainable as possible. While achieving net-zero drilling activity is ambitious, we’re confident we can make significant reductions. Could you share some significant projects you’re currently working on and what’s ahead? One of our flagship projects is in Iraq, where we’re working on an integrated energy project. This project includes, in addition to the development of the Ratawi field, gathering flared gas to generate electricity for the Basrah region, constructing a desalination plant to replace the freshwater used for field pressure support, and building a large-scale solar plant. It’s a landmark example of how we can redevelop fields sustainably, addressing energy, emissions, and water consumption challenges. What do you think is the best part of working in the oil and gas industry right now? I think the most exciting part is that we’re at the forefront of the sustainability change. The industry is under intense scrutiny, but we have the ambition and the means to make real, impactful changes. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of that transformation, particularly in the context of addressing climate change. oilandgasmiddleeast.com28 November 2024 “Sometimes we are considered as the bad guys. But at the same time, thanks to our financial and engineering resources, we have the means to invest the most in new energy while drastically reducing the emission of our oil and gas activities” Digital technology plays multiple roles in well operations OAG_Nov2024_26-28_Total Energies_13422774.indd 2828/10/2024 21:51Atlas Copco Rental Middle East Making agility count Steam boilers that will meet your application, whether it is in Downstream, Upstream, Midstream or General Industry. 24 7 Untitled-18 129/10/2024 14:07Next >