SPIE Oil & Gas Services, Dubai
Iraq, www.spie.com/
Workover, completion and Rigless supervisor
Project Management (WQ‑2 Field, Iraq)
Successfully led and delivered workover and well completion programs at the WQ‑2 field in close collaboration with local teams and stakeholders. Ensured the safe and efficient execution of 100+ workover operations using 800/1000 hp joystick rigs (double‑stand drill pipes), achieving a 12 % reduction in unplanned downtime. Optimized logistics and material planning in coordination with regional suppliers, resulting in annual savings of 90 000 USD.
Implementation of Innovative Technologies:
Personally supervised well completions in the challenging Yamama productive formation under HP/HT conditions and high H₂S content (> 5 %), ensuring full compliance with local safety regulations and international standards. Commissioned a new XJ‑40/2000 hp joystick drilling rig, enabling wells to be brought into operation 5–7 days ahead of schedule — a key milestone for the region.
Successfully implemented the first well completion in the Yamama formation with abnormal formation pressure (AP), high temperature (HT), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) content, using DST. This pioneering project ensured safe commissioning of the facility and significantly expanded the company’s resource base in the region.
Completion Technologies:
Introduced Smart‑well technologies in 2 wells, enabling real‑time remote monitoring of production parameters and enhancing operational efficiency.
Completed 10+ production wells using the Y‑tool SLB technology, achieving a 15 % reduction in operation time through optimized logistics and effective coordination of local crews, leveraging ZENIT installation experience.
Executed the completion of a horizontal well with the installation of swelling packers and SSD isolation valves (with interval ports) using coiled tubing from a workover rig. The project resulted in a 20 % increase in well production rate compared to planned targets — exceeding expectations for the local geological conditions.
Crisis Management (Emergency Operations and Kicks/Blowouts):
Ensured safe and accident‑free operations under challenging field conditions, prioritizing the well‑being of all team members. Successfully resolved 3 incidents involving packer equipment with damaged upper sections of production casings, restoring access to the wellbore and preserving the well for further operation. Savings amounted to ∼100 000 USD due to efficient resource management and reduced repair time.
During workover operations, successfully applied bottomhole restoration technology using reverse circulation with an annular preventer. Savings amounted to ∼75 000 USD, demonstrating effective cost control and technical expertise.
Enhanced emergency preparedness across teams: conducted over 50 training drills on kicks/blowouts and BOP/H₂S response, training 50+ employees. As a result, achieved 0 incidents during gas/oil/water influxes during the reporting period — a testament to the high safety culture established within the team.
Operational Safety and Risk Management:
Established and maintained a robust risk assessment system for critical operations, conducting over 100 safety briefings and thoroughly investigating 4 incidents with the development of corrective actions. Ensured 100 % compliance of all operations with company safety standards, international norms (including HSE), and local regulatory requirements.
Accelerated decision‑making through daily briefings and weekly PJSM meetings, fostering collaboration between international and local teams. Reduced delays due to contractor misalignment and improved safety standard compliance by 35 % (according to the green card program).
Contractor Coordination and Process Optimization:
Effectively coordinated the work of 5+ contracting organizations on site, ensuring smooth collaboration through weekly cross‑functional meetings. This approach reduced delays due to misalignment by 20 % and increased overall work efficiency, strengthening partnerships with key regional contractors.
Optimized accounting and reporting processes using Open Wells software, streamlining data flow for local and international stakeholders. Reduced preparation time for daily and weekly reports while ensuring 100 % data accuracy for logistics, materials, and plan execution.
Stimulation and Workover Operations:
Supervised stimulation operations (acid fracturing, HCl treatment) on 10 wells using coiled tubing and wireline units, ensuring optimal results in local reservoir conditions.
Organized the retrieval of downhole equipment from 4 emergency wells using specialized fishing tools, successfully restoring access to the wellbore in 100 % of cases — a critical achievement for maintaining field productivity.
Human Capital Development:
Built and developed a high‑performing team of field specialists, focusing on knowledge transfer and capacity building. Conducted assessments, recruited, and trained 50+ employees, including local talent. Implemented a mentoring system and regular emergency drills for well control during kicks and H₂S events, applying TШО standards. This initiative halved the adaptation period for new employees and significantly improved overall staff qualifications, contributing to sustainable local workforce development.
Conducted regular training on blowout preventer (BOP) operations, emphasizing practical skills and safety. Trained 30+ specialists and held 30+ practical sessions on closing, choking, and kick response procedures, strengthening the team’s technical capabilities and readiness for complex operations.
Key Achievements:
1. Successfully led the completion and testing of the first well in the Yamama horizon with abnormal pressure (HP), abnormal temperature (HT), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) content — a pioneering milestone for the region. This project was delivered in close collaboration with local teams and stakeholders, ensuring full compliance with regional safety regulations and international HSE standards. The successful execution established a new technical benchmark for future operations in challenging reservoir conditions across the area.
2. Successfully completed and tested a well with a horizontal section, featuring the installation of swelling packers and SSD isolation valves (with open interval ports) using coiled tubing from a workover rig. The operation was executed with meticulous planning and coordination between international experts and local crews, demonstrating advanced technical capabilities in complex well completions. The project resulted in enhanced well integrity and optimized production performance under local geological conditions.
3. Effectively resolved multiple incidents involving packer equipment with a damaged upper section of the production casing. Through swift and coordinated action by the field team, access to the wellbore was fully restored, preserving the well for continued operation. This achievement prevented potential production losses and resulted in significant cost savings (∼100 000 USD), showcasing strong crisis management skills and efficient resource utilization in a challenging operational environment.