New wireline tractor to operate without casing

Statoil and Maritime Well Service have signed a technology agreement for development of a wireline tractor for use in oil and gas wells without wall casing. Statoil expects to save between NKr2 and 2.5 million for every well operation of this nature through use of the new technology.

Since 1996, Maritime Well Service has been Statoil's main supplier of tractor and wireline services. Statoil says that in 2003, it reduced operating costs for well intervention by approximately NKr500 million by using wireline tractors as an alternative to other well intervention methods.

The existing wireline tractor technology from Maritime Well Service uses hydraulically driven wheels to provide propulsion. It is used primarily for conveyance of tools in horizontal wells for acquisition of production data and for plug-setting and perforating operations.

The new tractor will be for use in wells without wall casing or lining. The companies are developing a new type of propulsion mechanism based on chain tracks. Initial tests of the prototype have been successful. The technology agreement between Statoil and Maritime Well Service has set a target for this technology to be available for operation in the 3Q 2005.

12/07/04