Kuwait Oil Company clinches win at Asian Oil & Gas Awards 2024

The oil company was honoured for its innovative Rigless ESP which is deemed a monumental achievement in cable deployment.

Kuwait Oil Company emerged as the recipient of the Innovative Technology Initiative of the Year - Kuwait category at the Asian Oil & Gas Awards 2024, for its successful implementation of the Rigless ESP (Zilift) technology by KOC. This project is recognised as the world's first successful pilot test of its kind, showcasing significant progress across several key areas.

Unique technological advancement 

The introduction of Zilift technology, which enables rigless Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP) deployment, marks a groundbreaking advancement in the oil and gas industry. Unlike traditional methods that require extensive rig setups, this project utilised a cable-deployed ESP system through TECLine Cable—an approach that eliminates the need for conventional rigs. This innovates the deployment process and demonstrates a unique application of rigless technology in challenging well environments.

The well in question had been closed since August 2021 due to pressure issues and had faced multiple failed activation attempts.

The decision to adopt a rigless ESP installation aimed to reduce downtime and mitigate production losses. 

The project's success was reflected in the goals it was able to achieve. Amongst these are minimising well downtime by using a rigless approach to resume production quickly; evaluating the effectiveness of the new technology through a complete rigless ESP deployment within 3½-inch tubing using TECLine Cable, ensuring successful commissioning and retrieval; and assessing the technology’s limitations and identify its optimal applications.

Remarkably, the project not only met its goals but exceeded them; the ESP pump was deployed within just one to two days, all without the need to kill the well, demonstrating exceptional efficiency. The well achieved a good production rate, and the pump operated smoothly for nearly three months. This success not only impacts the company's operations but also sets a practical solution for well-management challenges in the broader industry.

Dynamic approach

The strategy behind the Zilift ESP deployment showcases a high level of flexibility and responsiveness to evolving operational needs. The rigless method provides a temporary solution for closed-pressure wells and failed ESP systems, whilst also serving as a long-term strategy for wells that are difficult to access with conventional rigs. This adaptability is crucial for optimising production in various scenarios such as rig-unreachable sites or dual-string completions. 

Furthermore, the project was able to reduce the associated costs and minimise production delays by eliminating the need for workover rigs. This strategy demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that embraces new opportunities and adjusts to industry demands.

The deployment of the cable-deployed ESP (Zilift) technology has delivered substantial effectiveness and impact whilst showcasing remarkable dynamism. This project not only meets its immediate objectives but also sets a new standard for future operations in challenging well environments.

“KOC remains at the forefront of innovation, accessing the latest technologies and expertise in environmentally conscious oil extraction methods,” said Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, CEO, Kuwait Oil Company.

This success not only positions KOC as a leader in innovative oil extraction technologies but also paves the way for future advancements that could transform the industry. Looking ahead, the lessons learnt from this project will undoubtedly guide KOC in best practices for managing challenging well environments across the sector.

The Asian Oil and Gas Awards recognises the most outstanding players in Asia's oil and gas sector. The awards programme is for companies that have risen above various challenges and remained steadfast despite a very challenging environment.

The Asian Oil & Gas Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions and initiatives in the oil and gas sector in Asia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].