Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced the deployment of RoboWell, an AI autonomous well-control solution, at its NASR field.  

This initiative is said to be the world's first offshore deployment of RoboWell. 

RoboWell, a product of collaboration between ADNOC and Abu Dhabi-based AIQ, utilises cloud-based AI algorithms to autonomously manage well operations, adapting to changing conditions.  

The deployment of this technology is expected to enhance operational safety, increase efficiency, and minimise the need for travel and physical interventions, thereby reducing emissions. 

The NASR field, located 130km north-west of Abu Dhabi, is a fully digital offshore field.  

It employs an array of technological solutions to optimise production and minimise emissions.  

RoboWell has initially been implemented across ten wells at NASR, with plans to extend the AI solution to more than 300 wells across ADNOC’s offshore and onshore operations within the year. 

The development of RoboWell was a collaborative effort involving AIQ and ADNOC’s Thamama Excellence Centre.  

The advanced facility is dedicated to leveraging big data, digitalisation and smart analytics to enhance access to hydrocarbon resources and extract greater value from existing reservoirs. 

RoboWell's first deployment occurred in 2023 at the onshore NEB field, which is recognised as ADNOC’s inaugural "smart field".  

ADNOC upstream executive director Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy said: “The offshore deployment of RoboWell at NASR field demonstrates how ADNOC is harnessing the power of AI as we responsibly meet growing global energy demand.  

“ADNOC’s aim is to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company, integrating AI from the control room to the boardroom to maximise efficiency and move towards autonomous operations.” 

AIQ CEO Chris Cooper said: “AIQ leverages AI and machine learning solutions that unlock value across the entire value chain of the energy sector.  

“RoboWell has already been proven to deliver up to 30% optimisation in gas lift consumption and up to 5% increase in operating efficiency, so the expanded implementation of the solution represents a pivotal step for AIQ and ADNOC.” 

Earlier this week, ADNOC confirmed that energy majors BP, Mitsui & Co., Shell and TotalEnergies will each acquire a 10% interest in the forthcoming Ruwais LNG project.