Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced a major technological milestone with the successful completion of the country’s first AI-driven directional drilling operation at the Al-Khair field.
Executed by the Sirte Oil and Gas Production and Manufacturing Company, this project represents only the second recorded instance of such technology being deployed on a global scale. The operation utilized cutting-edge digital solutions from the American oilfield services giant SLB, allowing for autonomous well guidance that combines high-precision positioning with real-time adjustments, effectively eliminating the need for direct manual intervention.
Operational data from the site indicates a significant performance boost, with the rate of penetration doubling compared to previous conventional drilling methods at the same field. An 1,800-foot horizontal section of the well was navigated entirely by the autonomous system, which utilized instantaneous trajectory corrections to ensure the drill remained perfectly positioned within the reservoir’s most productive “sweet spot.” Beyond the mechanical process, the integration of advanced analytics enabled the automated processing of petrophysical logs, providing technical teams with a comprehensive, real-time interpretation of the geological characteristics to optimize the horizontal drain.
Initial production tests have yielded promising results, showing a flow rate of 1,060 barrels per day. The well is currently operating via an electric submersible pump and a 64/28-inch choke. In its announcement, the NOC emphasized that this achievement highlights the growing technical expertise of Libya’s national workforce and reinforces the country’s commitment to adopting innovative AI solutions to modernize its exploration and production capabilities.
MK/AK/Sf/lb/abj/APA