IPTC-20183-MS

Customized Integrated Approach for Increasing Reservoir Understanding

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and Lowering Costs: Case Study, Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Franck Michel, Allan Rennie, Garrett C. Guidry, Ben Robbins, Shaikh Aamir Iqbal, and Steven Kizziar, Halliburton

Copyright 2020, International Petroleum Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 13 – 15 January 2020.

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Abstract
In the deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM), an operating company planned to drill and log a challenging
wellbore in a mature field within the Upper Tertiary set of target sands. High levels of depletion as well as
extremely tight pore pressure margins were anticipated. The operator and the service company's drilling and
evaluation (D&E) integrated teams developed a highly collaborative environment from the early planning
stage of the project, aligning people and processes and enabling applications.
Regional knowledge from an archived geomechanical model was updated during collaborative planning
sessions, enabling both parties to have a consistent understanding of the subsurface challenges to
correctly drill and log each interval. Potential wellbore instability issues were mitigated using a proactive
geomechanics analysis and hydraulics management from an integrated real-time operations center (iROC).
Formation compressional slowness from a logging-while-drilling (LWD) sonic system was used,
updating the geomechanical model for accurate real-time pore pressure and wellbore stability analysis.
Additionally, the sonic system was used for top-of-cement (TOC) evaluation behind the intermediate casing
to satisfy the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) requirements to differentiate
fully bonded pipe from free pipe. Geosteering services from real-time log response correlations and at-
bit geological predictions were used to correctly geostop for an intermediate casing point before pressure
regression. An LWD formation pressure system provided pressure tests over various depth intervals,
providing excellent fluid gradient determination for the primary target sand package. An LWD azimuthal
density system delivered high-quality borehole images within the 16 ½-in. borehole section, providing dip
information for geological correlation to seismic. Further, the azimuthal density image system resolved
the interbedded shale/sand sequences, allowing dip analysis for geological model correlation within the
reservoir.
Challenges for this wellbore included shallow water hazards, wellbore instability, setting intermediate
casing above the sand targets, and the depleted reservoir section. The deployment of specific technologies
with associated unique applications discussed in detail within this paper led to superior well construction
execution under time (8 days) and under budget (USD 4 million).
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Project Background and Challenges

Current well construction in the GOM presents economic and technical challenges. Suppressed oil prices
have led to decreased capital expenditure investment from operators and heightened pressure to deliver
according to plan. Use of existing infrastructure minimizes project risk and cost exposure; however, this
creates technical hurdles, such as tortuous well trajectories. When fields have been in production for years
and sometimes decades, drilling deviated wells in depleted formations can present significant risks that

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must be mitigated. Wellbore instability should be addressed when the shale formations near depleted sands
require higher mud weights because of the deviated trajectories. With reduced cost exposure comes the need
for targeted technologies that address key issues while minimizing expenditure. Collaborative workflows
that leverage these technologies help ensure the correct data are available to the appropriate personnel when
needed (Guidry et al. 2018).
Deepwater drilling can present many challenges. The most common challenges are centered on narrow
safe mud-weight windows (MWWs), which is the case when discussing depleted fields with wellbore
stability concerns (Majidi et al. 2015). For the case study discussed in this paper, the planned well added
shallow water hazards to common geomechanical risks. A full geomechanics analysis would typically be
performed with such a complex downhole pressure window; however, project economics necessitated a
leaner approach from the operator. Because of limited personnel, the operator was not able to perform all
required pre-well planning before drilling operations began. Regional geomechanical knowledge from the
service company was used to help mitigate risk and minimize cost.
OCS G-09771 Well 4 (M83A well) is located in the GOM in the Mississippi Canyon Block 28 (MC 28)
(Fig. 1). The well water depth is 1,850 ft and was drilled using the Ensco 8503 rig in a mature field. The
target reservoir section is a classical deepwater turbidite geological deposition (Fig. 2).

Figure 1—GOM map showing the Mississippi Canyon block where the
deepwater well was drilled. The well location is marked with the red star.
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Figure 2—Classical deepwater turbidite illustrating the geological setting for the target reservoir section (after Williams 2016).

Figs. 3 and 4 show the structural interpretation and the expected pore pressure gradient, respectively. The
following points provide a high-level summary of the specific challenges anticipated and identified before
drilling operations for the case study well.

• Limited personnel and resources

• Surface data logging/solids control equipment installation

• Critical casing design and intermediate casing point selection

• Depleted reservoir section

• Wellbore instability leading to tight hole

• Severe mud losses in offset wells

• Optimizing reservoir contact

Figure 3—Structural interpretation schematic illustrating the Pompano salt canopy, which is anomalous among salt
sheets because permeable sands occur immediately beneath, and juxtaposed against, the base of the salt. This geological
setting provides a rare opportunity to measure the high pore pressure and generate pressure profiles below the salt.
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Figure 4—Predrilling chart for the case study well illustrating the depleted reservoir targets, corresponding wellbore, and
drilling pressure margins. To address and mitigate some of the key challenges, drilling operations included a critical planned
requirement for setting an intermediate casing (13 ⅝-in. casing shoe) above the target and depleted reservoir section.

The presence of highly depleted sands requiring lower mud weight and shales requiring a higher mud
weight highlighted the crucial need for good hydraulics management and an updated geomechanical model.
The risks associated with the lower sand fracture pressure primarily affected the casing cementing plan
to obtain good cement across the target production reservoir. In addition, potential for lost circulation
necessitated close monitoring of the downhole annular pressure in the borehole for crucial equivalent
circulating density (ECD) control. Wellbore stability was a concern with mud weight lower than shale
IPTC-20183-MS 5

pressure. The intermediate casing point selection was planned based on a critical geological marker for
setting the casing as deep as possible, without encountering a potentially depleted zone.
Fig. 5 shows the well trajectory and casing strings for the actual wellbore construction. The 13 ⅝-in.
casing shoe depth was determined using real-time formation evaluation measurements and a geostopping
approach to establish good geological positioning while drilling. The target reservoir section was drilled
in a tangent section.

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Figure 5—Wellbore overview for the OCS G-09771 MC 28 Well 4 (M83A well).

Integrated Model and Planning

Minimizing drilling time without compromising drilling objectives and health, safety, and the environment
(HSE) is a priority for the companies involved in the deepwater operations. The collaborative
approach leveraging experiences from both parties can significantly improve understanding of geological
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requirements and drilling risks, thus leading to improved efficiency, increased reliability, and delivery of
greater savings to all parties.
In the GOM, the service company's integrated services team collaborated with the operator to optimize
well construction and evaluation services. Instead of the "you call, we haul" approach, a new, advanced
integrated services model was applied, which allowed multidisciplinary teams to work side by side to better
understand reservoir challenges and align business objectives. This approach improved well planning and

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technology selection, which resulted in predictable well construction, optimized performance, and superior
service execution.
It has become more evident than ever that the integration of drilling technologies, combined with a
collaborative model of engagement, are set to provide a step change in drilling performance that addresses
the long-term production challenges in the oil and gas industry. This is particularly true when drilling
deepwater and ultradeepwater plays, as well as mature fields.
The key to improving drilling performance is a closer collaboration between the operators and service
companies to enable the alignment of business objectives and more efficient technology deployment.
Obtaining a clear understanding of the operator's well objectives helps optimize the multidisciplinary team's
insight into the target area and facilitate well construction planning by focusing on key workflows and
drilling strategies.
Gaps in project planning and front-end design typically result in costly changes to the overall project later.
Historically, contractual relationships, particularly in the GOM, have followed a tactical, discrete service
approach. In many cases, operators only allow engagement late in the process. By this time, effectively
90% of the cost has been determined, with cost-saving opportunities potentially remaining unidentified
(Kendrick 2018).
Unlike these conventional relationships, the operator included the D&E services provider early in the
pre-well process to work together. In addition to obtaining valuable insight into the targeted area, this early
engagement helped create a collaborative environment for risk identification and management, engineering
support during well planning, proper selection of technology to enhance project performance, and fostering
synergies between the services provider and stakeholders. This mutual agreement and understanding of
wellbore objectives ultimately led to the implementation of risk sharing within the entire well-construction
phase.
The integrated services model approach included the following clear steps:
1. Better understanding of objectives and challenges
2. Collaborative planning
3. Proper technology selection
4. Mutual agreement and understanding of risks
5. Performance based/shared risk
As part of the project planning and to better understand the objectives and challenges, an existing central
database, also referred to as a "Data Lake" was used. The relevant information obtained from this GOM
regional knowledge database was accessed using a data analytics methodology. Unlocking of the existing
database allowed leverage of regional knowledge obtained from extensive experience. Figs. 6 and 7 show
the information used from the offset wells.
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Figure 6—Available logging data summary from offset wells representative to the project well.

Figure 7—Analogue wellbore relationships.

From this point, an existing geomechanics project was updated to provide the safe MWW. The updated
model provided the iROC a roadmap for what is referred to as "threading the needle," meaning operating
within a tight pore pressure/fracture gradient safe operating margin. As part of the learning sharing and for
the benefit of the learnings from the integrated model approach, as planning and data mining progressed, the
lessons learned were captured and stored back into the GOM central database for future use. These included
but were not limited to updated models (geological and geomechanical) and interventions.
The pre-well planning data obtained from the updated project are shown in Tables 1 and 2 and Figs. 8
and 9.
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Table 1—Well overview details according to the well design of service (DOS).

Casing/ Hole Measured Tool Service Type Directional/ Maximum Maximum

Liner Size (in.) Depth (ft) Size (in.) Section Objective Expected Expected
Interval (in.) Pressure Temperature
(psi) (°F)

22 26 (36 jet in) 1936 to 3900 9.5 MPT (negative pulse): Jet 36 in. in place to 2,000 90
MWD directional, planned depth. Maintain

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vibration, gamma,
resistivity, PWD, motor
verticality during jet
in (<0.5°). Maintain
minimum 9.0 lbm/gal
EMW below 3,200 ft
for low potential SWF.
Directionally nudge well
as planned near TD of hole
section. Land 22 in. on
depth.

18 18 1/8×21 3900 to 6791 9.5 MPT (negative pulse): Conduct LOT to 12 lbm/ 3,300 129
MWD directional, gal (DH) EMW. Build hole
vibration, gamma, angle to 47° at 345 Az.
resistivity, PWD, drilling Maintain ECD and hole
collar, RSS cleaning with large number
of cuttings. Open rathole
with TD reamer.

13 5/8 16 1/2 6791 to 9.5 MPT (negative pulse): Drill shoe to shoe in a 7,800 173
11379 MWD directional, single run. Conduct FIT
vibration, gamma, to 13.8 lbm/gal (DH)
resistivity, PWD, azimuthal EMW. Maintain 47° hole
lithodensity, drilling collar, angle through section
RSS TD as planned. Real-
time geological pick for
casing point to within
±50 ft of M85 potential
sand top. Vibration
control (prevention and
mitigation).

9 7/8 12 1/4 11379 to 8 MPT (negative pulse): Drill shoe to shoe in a 7,400 183
12635 MWD directional, single run. Conduct FIT
vibration, gamma, of 14.0 lbm/gal EMW.
resistivity, PWD, density, Drill to TD based on
neutron, FTWD, azimuthal real-time geological pick
sonic/ultrasonic tool below base of the M83 and
providing sufficient rathole
for completion operations.
Minimize losses into sand
formations. Vibration
control (prevention and
mitigation) required.

MPT = mud pulse telemetry

PWD = pressure while drilling
RSS = rotary steerable system
FTWD = formation testing while drilling
EMW = equivalent mud weight
SWF = shallow water flow
LOT = leakoff test
FIT = formation integrity test
IPTC-20183-MS 9

Table 2—Expected drilling parameters according to representative offset well (Cardona 7).

Section Rate Weight on Bit (WOB) Rev/min Drill Shoetrack

of Penetration
(ROP) Average

26 in. 10 to 60 120 5 hours

18.125×22 in. 97.4 to 175 15 to 25 120 to 150 1.5 hours

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16 in. 225 15 to 30 120 1 hour
12.25 in. 200 10 to 15 80 to 130 4.5 hours

Figure 8—Pore pressure/fracture gradient panel pre-well with overlay of real-time update up to 13 ⅝-in. casing point.
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Figure 9—Pre-hole-section "one sheet" for the 12 ¼-in. hole section.

Services Delivery Overview

Technologies and Applications
Through accurate pre-well planning, bottomhole assemblies (BHAs) were optimized with preferred
hydraulics, torque and drag, and fit-for-purpose bits and reamers for all intervals. At the rigsite, specialized
solids control equipment was installed and utilized. Landing of the 18-in. liner was completed ahead of
schedule, with minimal rathole, using an at-bit reamer.
The predicted wellbore instability issues were mitigated through proactive geomechanics analysis and
hydraulics management. Continuous monitoring by the iROC allowed for tight ECD management as drilling
progressed, maintaining a safe mud-weight operating window at all times. The geostopping approach helped
determine when to stop drilling, which relied on quality LWD log responses and proactive geosteering
modeling. The multiple product lines’ 24/7 support in-house and the iROC ensured the depleted reservoir
section was drilled ahead of schedule, with minimal fluid losses, to total depth (TD) before the oil/water
contact (OWC), thus maximizing the reservoir exposure.
Geomechanical studies supported by pore pressure/fracture gradient models and collaborative planning
provided consistent subsubsurface understanding of the challenges to correctly drill and log each interval.
The potential wellbore instability issues were mitigated using proactive pore pressure analysis and utilizing
the best fluid management control with synthetic-based mud (SBM). Utilizing the integrated team with a
designated focal point allowed for the DOS, data collection, analysis, modeling, and interpretation, which
led to superior service execution under time and under budget.
The following engineering solutions were used to help ensure flawless operational execution and
increased performance:
IPTC-20183-MS 11

• Integrated pre-well technical planning teams

• Casing planning and design

– Near-bit reamer tool

• Pore pressure analysis and fluid management

– High-performance (SBM) nonaqueous fluid system

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• Collaborative modeling solution for accurate geomechanics
– Pore pressure/fracture gradient prediction software

• Tailored D&E systems

– Proactive and real-time geological modeling service
– Azimuthal density LWD service
– Azimuthal sonic and ultrasonic LWD service
– LWD formation pressure tester
– At-bit reamer tool

• Real-time center personnel, 24/7 support and execution

– Real-time centers

Given the geological complexity of the area and challenges to successful well steering, the geosteering
team ensured that the best communication plan was in place to cover all aspects of successful operations.
Pre-well geosteering models were generated with multiple offset wells. Several meetings were conducted
with the operator subsurface and service company teams to review and optimize the model. The service
company's processes and workflows were introduced to the operator, and the geosteering work was
performed from the service company's iROC. This plan was supported by both the service company and
operator because it provided close collaboration within the integrated team working from the iROC. A key
element to success was to establish a decision hierarchy, which provided the communication workflow to
follow during the drilling operations. Fig. 10 shows the simplified version of the communication protocol
that the operator and service company agreed to use for efficient decision-making.
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Figure 10—Communication workflow during delivery of the proactive real-time geological modeling service (Iqbal et al. 2016).

Drilling and Formation Evaluation Solutions

The challenges in this wellbore include shallow water hazards, wellbore instability, setting intermediate
casing above the sand targets, and the depleted reservoir section. Utilizing the integrated team with a
designated focal point allowed for the DOS, data collection, analysis, modeling, and interpretation, which
led to superior service execution under time and under budget.
Many times the service company engagement with the operator to design drilling assemblies occurs
just before the execution phase of operations. In this case, integrated solutions engineering processes for
drilling performance were enabled during the well assessment phase of the campaign, which helped ensure
that drilling technology decisions and well construction designs were considered as a system. Because the
drilling performance workflow covers the BHA, drillstring, bits, and fluids, the technology used to deliver
the wellbore is utilized in a more efficient manner because the well construction design has accounted for
IPTC-20183-MS 13

this technology. This drives the improvements in performance, reliability, and repeatability across a drilling
campaign.
Because well construction and delivery has been considered in parallel, overall risk is reduced and can be
better predicted and managed. When risk is still present in a design, solutions are available to help mitigate
that uncertainty if a risk occurs. These solutions fully complement the project life cycle and early integration
ensures that both the operator and service company are able to deliver on the project objectives.

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Formation compressional slowness from the LWD sonic system was provided in the lower wellbore
sections and the geomechanical model was updated for accurate real-time pore pressure prediction
and analysis (Fig. 11). The LWD sonic system was also utilized behind the 13 ⅝-in. casing for TOC
evaluation (Fig. 12), satisfying the BSEE requirements to distinguish fully bonded pipe from free pipe. The
intermediate casing point was correctly geostopped before the upper target sand was intersected. The LWD
formation pressure system provided numerous pressure tests over various depth intervals (Fig. 13), leading
to excellent fluid gradient determination in the main target sand package (Fig. 14). The LWD azimuthal
density system delivered high-quality borehole images and caliper measurements in the 16 ½-in. borehole
section, providing dip analysis for geological correlation to seismic. Additionally, the azimuthal density
image system resolved the interbedded shale/sand sequences at high resolution and provided dip analysis
for geological model correlation in the sand reservoir (Figs. 15 and 16).
The crucial determination of the 13 ⅝-in. casing point was achieved based on the following operational
steps (Figs. 17 and 18), as well as following the communication protocol shown in Fig. 10.

• A pre-well pseudolog geosteering model was generated using A11, A15, and TB2 offset well data.
(Pseudologs were also generated using geophysical data.)
• Significant changes caused by lateral variation, thickness, and structure changes were noted in the
logs.
• The real-time objective was to establish the 13 ⅝-in. casing TD at 50 to 100 ft above the M85
top or 400 ft below the base of M90 (for safety factor considered the shallowest possibility of the
M85 top).
• Real-time model updates began at around 10,000 ft measured depth (MD). (Monitoring began from
the top of the section.)
• Excellent correlation with the TB2 well continued from the top of this section until around 10,900
ft MD.
• The section top was 40 to 50 ft shallower than the TB2 offset well; projection for the M85 revised
top was 9,615 to 9,630 ft true vertical depth (TVD).
• The bottom 350 to 400 ft MD section did not correlate with TB2; in particular, well-developed
sand (possible M89) was encountered that was not observed in the offset wells.
• The bottom section began correlating well with the A15 borehole. The correlation suggested the
earliest top for M85 at 9,615 to 9,630 ft TVD.
• The operator and service provider teams continued discussing the correlation and the casing TD
was established at 11,280 ft MD/9,552 ft TVD (~65 ft above the projected M85 top).
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Figure 11—Accurate, real-time, pore pressure prediction and geomechanics model analysis update.

Figure 12—LWD TOC evaluation analysis results behind the 13 ⅝-in. casing using the trip-in pass (Michel et al. 2017). The
dotted blue line shows the interpreted TOC, the solid blue line shows the depth from which a good cement bond exists.
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Figure 13—Optimum data density LWD quad-combo log responses for real-time
decisions. The formation pressure points are represented as black dots on the plot.

Figure 14—LWD formation pressure testing results panel. The testing operation was performed with collaboration
among field operation personnel, geoscience support team, and operator end data users. Based on optimized test
parameters selected on a test-by-test basis, the lowest mobility (22.6 md/cp) test results show excellent buildup stability.
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Figure 15—Interbedded shale/sand sequences resolved using quality LWD density images. The ROP limited for hole
stability provided high data density, which enhanced the quality of the density images for 4- to 6-in. bed resolution.

Figure 16—High-quality LWD density imaging for good resolution of the interbedded turbiditie sequence and
structural dip information to reduce geological uncertainty using innovative techniques (Michel et al. 2016).
IPTC-20183-MS 17

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Figure 17—Illustration of the geostopping correlation update used to determine the intermediate casing point
before intersecting the upper target sand. Both the pre-well model and pseudolog responses are presented.

Figure 18—Zoomed-in illustration of the geostopping correlation update used to determine the intermediate casing point.
18 IPTC-20183-MS

Conclusions
The service company's 24/7 support, both in-house and within the iROC, ensured that every wellbore
section, including the depleted reservoir interval, was drilled with minimal fluid losses and that the wellbore
reached TD before the OWC. This maximized the reservoir exposure.
The following highlights are a result of this project:

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• Zero health and safety incidents during the project execution of the well-construction phase.

• Collaborative planning enabled consistent subsurface understanding to drill and log each interval
correctly.
• Controlled and contained wellbore stability issues.

• The 18-in. liner was completed ahead of schedule.

• Intermediate casing set directly above the depleted zone.

• Depleted reservoir section drilled and logged in one run.

• The well was completed 8 days ahead of schedule.

• Project savings during the execution phase was USD 4 million.

• Transitioning from a discrete to an integrated services model allowed the operator to access an
additional 5 to 10 million BOE previously considered economically unfeasible to recover.
This case study demonstrates how well construction engineering solutions increased performance,
created synergies, and enabled the D&E services provider to drive efficiency and lower costs for the operator
in the GOM.
The result of this integrated solutions approach during well construction delivered a successful well and
exceeded performance expectations.

References
Guidry, G., Spezia, K., and Salmon, G. 2018. Collaborative Real-Time Analysis to Reduce Non-Productive Time.
Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Dallas, Texas, USA, 24–26 September.
SPE-191631-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/191631-MS.
Iqbal, S.A., Martinez, P., Tarazona, J. et al. 2016. A Horizontal Program Utilizing Geosteering Collaboration Is
Responsible for Nearly 70% Production Growth over the Original Vertical Program in the Gulf of Mexico. Paper
presented at the SPWLA 57th Annual Logging Symposium, Reykjavik, Iceland, 25–29 June. SPWLA-2016-JJJJ.
Kendrick, C. 2018. The future of deepwater lies in early collaboration and integrated services, https://www.chron.com/
business/energy/article/The-future-of-deepwater-lies-in-early-12881703.php (accessed 8 October 2019).
Majidi, R., Edwards, S., Zhang, J. et al. 2015. Drilling Depleted Sands: Geomechanics, Challenges and Mitigations.
Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, USA, 28–30 September.
SPE-174741-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/174741-MS.
Michel, F., Hinz, D. Parker, T. et al. 2016. Innovative Techniques Applied to Logging-While Drilling Azimuthal Density
Data for Reducing Structural Uncertainties. Paper presented at the SPWLA 57th Annual Logging Symposium,
Reykjavik, Iceland, 25–29 June. SPWLA-2016-F.
Michel, F., Robbins, B., Kizziar, S. et al. 2017. Logging-While-Drilling in Cased Hole to Validate Top of Cement Saving
Days of Rig Time: Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Case Studies. Paper presented at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference
and Exhibition, The Hague, The Netherlands, 14–16 March. SPE-184604-MS. https://doi.org/10.2118/184604-MS.
Williams, C. 2016. Using the Oil Mud Reservoir Imager (OMRI) to create Bouma Litho-Facies Geomodeling Curve Data
from Deepwater Gulf of Mexico Turbidite Sediments. https://slideplayer.com/slide/13447272/.

About The Authors

Franck Michel is a technical solutions advisor with Halliburton Formation and Reservoir Solutions for
the GOM region. Michel began his career as an MWD/LWD field engineer in the North Sea in 1996.
IPTC-20183-MS 19

Before moving to Houston in 2014, Michel held various petrophysical support positions in the UK, Algeria,
and West Africa. Michel holds a BSc degree in electronic and electrical engineering from Robert Gordon
University Aberdeen (1995). Michel is a member of SPE and SPWLA.

Allan Rennie is a senior technical advisor with Halliburton Consulting and Project Management. He began
working as a field geologist for BHP in the Canadian Northern and Arctic regions in the late 1980s. Rennie

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transitioned to Sperry Drilling through the early 1990s, working as a field engineer in West Africa, west
and east Canada, and the GOM. His roles within Sperry Drilling/Halliburton include directional drilling
(DD)/MWD/LWD technical professional, project/program manager responsible for new tool development,
multiyear roles as regional technical and BD sales manager, D&E manager, and D&E advisor, GOM. Rennie
has authored or co-authored multiple technical papers and numerous industry publication articles. He holds
a degree in drilling engineering from Sir Sandford Fleming College and a BSc degree in geology and physics
from Acadia University in Canada. Rennie is an active SPE, SPWLA, and AADE member.

Garrett C. Guidry is a geomechanics project manager with Halliburton Consulting and Project
Management. Guidry began his career as a mud logger with Sperry Drilling in the GOM and participated
in the Macondo relief well operations as a unit manager. In 2012, he joined Halliburton Consulting and
Project Management as a geomechanics consultant in offshore Egypt and Mexico. Recently, Guidry has
helped solve well construction issues from a cross-disciplinary perspective using new technologies. Guidry
holds a BSc degree in geology from the University of Louisiana (2008). He is currently finishing his MSc
degree in petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University.

Ben Robbins is an LWD technical advisor with Halliburton for the GOM region. Robbins began his career
as an MWD/LWD field engineer in 1985. After 5 years in the field and 2 years as a systems engineer
in Houston, Robbins moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to support business development and operations,
mainly in the GOM. Robbins holds a BSc degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Louisiana
at Lafayette (1984). He is a member of SPWLA.

Shaikh Aamir Iqbal is a senior technical advisor – MWD/LWD and geosteering lead with Halliburton
Sperry Drilling for the GOM region. His area of expertise includes petrophysics, geosteering, operations
geology, and MWD/LWD. In 1998, Iqbal began his professional career and worked in Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Oman, and Pakistan, before moving to North America in 2011. He previously worked for British
Petroleum, Orient Petroleum, and Baker Hughes. Iqbal holds BSc (Hons) and MSc degrees in geology from
the University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan and an MS degree in petroleum geology from the University
of Houston. He is currently pursuing an MBA degree from the University of Houston Bauer College of
Business.

Steven Kizziar is a geoscientist with the Halliburton Formation Evaluation and Reservoir Solutions group
and has been supporting GOM LWD operations in Broussard, Louisiana since 2009. Kizziar spent the
previous 11 years supporting wireline operations in Lafayette and New Iberia, Louisiana. He began his
career with Halliburton in 1982 as an openhole wireline field engineer in Lafayette, Louisiana. Kizziar holds
a BSc degree in geology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (1981).