Drilling – Oil & Gas 360

Halliburton deploys matrix-body directional bit for longer Permian runs

January 7, 2026

(World Oil) – Halliburton has introduced the Hypersteer MX directional drill bit, a matrix-body technology aimed at reducing well construction time in abrasive, high-flow environments. The bit merges shankless directional steerability with the durability of a matrix body to support longer drilling runs and fewer trips. Directional bits have historically required steel shanks to achieve steerability, leaving critical components exposed to erosion during

Shell, INEOS make new oil discovery in Norphlet play in U.S. Gulf

December 22, 2025

(World Oil)– Shell and INEOS Energy have made their first oil discovery in the Gulf of America after confirming hydrocarbons at the Nashville exploration well, a deepwater Norphlet find operated by Shell. The Nashville well, drilled in the Norphlet formation, was drilled more than five miles beneath the seabed and encountered high-quality oil in what the companies described as one of the

API praises House approval of bipartisan permitting reform bills

December 12, 2025

(World Oil) – WASHINGTON — The American Petroleum Institute (API) is welcoming the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of two bipartisan bills aimed at overhauling the federal permitting process for energy and infrastructure projects. The legislation includes the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act (H.R. 3668) and the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act (H.R. 3898). Both measures are designed to

Digitalization may unlock $320 billion in oil and gas savings by 2030, analysts say

December 5, 2025

(World Oil) – The oil and gas industry could capture more than $320 billion in savings over the next five years by accelerating digital adoption across core operational domains, according to new analysis from Rystad Energy. The findings underscore how digital technologies—once considered optional enhancements—are rapidly becoming essential tools for efficiency, resilience and long-term competitiveness. Rystad identifies five priority areas

Halliburton names new EVP, COO, advancing global operations strategy

December 4, 2025

(World Oil) – Halliburton has promoted Shannon Slocum to executive vice president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership shift as the company sharpens its focus on operational execution and long-term strategy. Slocum, who will also join Halliburton’s board of directors, will assume responsibility for global operations, business development, health, safety and environment (HSE), and worldwide technology.

Energy Advisors: Power and Energy Companies

November 18, 2025

(Oil and Gas 360) – Energy Advisors recently released its latest edition of its MarketMonitor series, which continues the theme emphasizing the role of traditional energy companies in building out more power for AI and data centers. Some “story-metric” AI companies have multi-billion-dollar market caps and don’t generate any revenue… and likely won’t for many, many years. Earlier, we laid the groundwork on the scale

Transocean adds $89 million in new offshore drilling options across three regions

November 18, 2025

(World Oil)– Transocean has secured approximately $89 million in new firm backlog after operators in Brazil, Norway and Romania exercised contract options on three of its floating rigs, the company announced. In Brazil, Petrobras exercised a 90-day option on the Deepwater Mykonos, continuing the ultra-deepwater drillship directly into its next campaign. The extension is expected to contribute about $33 million to backlog.

ADNOC taps U.S. shale expertise to unlock UAE’s unconventional gas potential

November 5, 2025

(World Oil) – The United Arab Emirates, long one of OPEC’s key oil producers, is pivoting to U.S.-tested fracing techniques to tap its “very promising” unconventional gas resources, with the intention of ramping up output amid forecasts for surging demand. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. is tapping new sources of natural gas in its deserts and coastal waters to meet local

Comstock boosts Haynesville output, to sell East Texas assets for $430 million

November 4, 2025

(World Oil) – Comstock Resources Inc. reported higher third-quarter earnings on improved natural gas prices and continued strong drilling results in the Haynesville and Bossier shales, while moving forward with the sale of its Shelby Trough assets for $430 million (USD). Natural gas and oil sales, including hedging gains, rose to $335 million, generating $190 million in operating cash flow.

Oilfield giants pivot to booming AI infrastructure as drilling demand wanes

October 27, 2025

(BOE Report) – Oilfield services giants SLB, Halliburton and Baker Hughes are turning to data centers and related artificial intelligence infrastructure work to drive their next phase of growth as they navigate slowing drilling demand and idle rigs across North America. U.S. oil producers have cut exploration budgets as prices hover in the low $60s per barrel, pressured by rising

Oilfield services firm Petrofac collapses

October 27, 2025

(Oil Price) – After years of restructuring and cost-cutting efforts, UK-listed oilfield services group Petrofac on Monday filed for administration, following the termination of its biggest contract. Petrofac’s directors have applied to the High Court of England and Wales to appoint administrators to Petrofac, said the company, which provides infrastructure and engineering services to the oil and gas, renewables, and power supply industries.

Aramco awards Baker Hughes multi-year coiled tubing drilling contract

October 27, 2025

(World Oil) – Baker Hughes has secured a multi-year agreement from Aramco to significantly expand its integrated underbalanced coiled tubing drilling (UBCTD) operations across Saudi Arabia’s natural gas fields. The order, booked in the third quarter of 2025, will see Baker Hughes increase its active UBCTD fleet from four to ten units beginning in 2026. Under the new contract, Baker Hughes

Premium Content