Expro deploys TRS technology to enhance Eni’s drilling operations offshore Côte d'Ivoire

Expro, a global provider of energy services to oil and gas exploration and production companies, has deployed its pioneering iTONG system for the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa offshore Côte d'Ivoire.

The US-headquartered Expro secured the tubular running services (TRS) contract aboard the Deep Value Driller (DVD) vessel to support Italian energy major Eni’s expansion of the Baleine field, the region’s largest hydrocarbon discovery. The DVD is a state-of-the-art, seventh-generation drillship. Capable of operating in up to 10,000 feet (about 3,000 metres) of water and drilling depths of 40,000 feet (just over 12,000 metres), it accommodates 210 personnel.

Baleine is Africa’s first upstream net-zero carbon project (Scope 1 and 2). The project uses advanced technologies and includes community programmes like clean cooking and forest restoration. Eni serves as the operator of the Baleine field, with state-owned oil and gas company PETROCI as its Ivorian partner.

According to Expro’s press statement on June 3, the contract in Côte d'Ivoire marks iTONG first deepwater deployment, following its initial operation in Norway in 2021.

The autonomous TRS technology offers one of the industry’s most advanced tong systems, designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost savings in deepwater operations. iTONG eliminates the need for personnel to work in the hazardous “red zone” of the rig floor. By improving operational efficiency, it saves considerable rig time, and in turn reduces net CO2 emissions throughout the construction of a well.

“By automating the connection make-up and break-out of casing and tubing joints, iTONG provides precise torque control from the push of a single button - operated safely from the driller’s cabin - while enabling full connection make-up validation,” Expro said.

The technology allows to cut connection make-up times by up to 50%, saving approximately $200,000 in cost per well project.

According to Expro’s vice president of well construction Jeremy Angelle, iTONG has been recognised by major operators as a top-tier solution for tubular connection make-up and validation since its introduction to Norway four years ago.

“In this case, its performance has exceeded expectations, with a 50% reduction in make-up times. The vision and commitment demonstrated by both Eni and Expro in introducing this technology to Africa exemplify a shared dedication to safer, more efficient operations,” Angelle said.

“iTONG continues to redefine industry standards, improving safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for offshore operations worldwide. Thanks to cutting-edge systems like iTONG, our R&D teams are leading the TRS industry in enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and driving global cost savings,” he added.

The NYSE-listed Expro provides its services across the well life cycle, including well construction, well flow management, subsea well access, and well intervention and integrity solutions. The company has approximately 8,500 employees and offers upstream solutions in both onshore and offshore environments in more than 50 countries.