On the heels of securing a major contract in Kuwait for three 3,000-horsepower, high-floor land drilling rigs, Nabors plans to expand its capabilities in the Middle East, says John O’Brien, Nabors Kuwait Area Manager

Nabors Industries is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With a presence in more than 15 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology, and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible energy production.

By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower-carbon world.

In an exclusive interview with OGN energy magazine, John O’Brien, Nabors Kuwait Area Manager, highlights Nabors’ commitment to expanding capabilities in the Middle East and supporting international growth. This discussion comes on the heels of a significant milestone for Nabors Kuwait in securing a major contract with Kuwait Oil Company for three 3,000-horsepower, high-floor land drilling rigs.

Excerpts from the interview:

Can you share your thoughts on Nabors Kuwait securing the recent contract with Kuwait Oil Company?

John O'Brien

Securing this contract with Kuwait Oil Company is a significant achievement for Nabors Kuwait and a reflection of our long-standing relationship with the customer. We have deep roots in Kuwait, with over a decade of successful operations in the country. This history has allowed us to build a strong, trust-based partnership with our customers.

Our success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, we have the right crew who are highly skilled and committed to excellence. Their expertise and dedication are fundamental to our operations. Furthermore, we've cultivated a highly motivating work environment – a green haven where our staff feel inspired, leading to increased productivity and boosted employee morale.

Secondly, our efforts across digital solutions, drilling automation, and advanced rig technologies have enabled safer and more reliable operations. Nabors’ commitment to technology and innovation has driven significant advancements in safety, efficiency, and overall drilling performance.

What makes these rigs stand out in terms of technology and capability?

Nabors' crew in Kuwait celebrating their successful drilling operations

These rigs feature advanced technologies designed to enhance efficiency and safety. The Revit® stick-slip mitigation solution, for instance, prevents unplanned downtime by optimizing drilling parameters for faster penetration rates, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Additionally, the Canrig® Automated Floor Wrench, Canrig® AC Top Drive C750, and the Canrig® Automated Power Catwalk PC-8000 reduce human interaction during high-risk operations, thereby enhancing safety and operational reliability. These technologies improve drilling operations, minimize downtime, and reduce operational costs. This reflects our ongoing commitment to transforming drilling operations in the region.

You briefly mentioned about the office yard and facility as a green haven. Can you explain how it has impacted the team and operations?

The transformation of our yard into a lush, green haven has had an intense impact on our team and operations. This revitalised workspace has not only improved the aesthetics but has also set a new standard for workplace conditions in challenging settings. During breaks, employees enjoy the rejuvenating surroundings, promoting well-being and renewed energy.

This environment has boosted employee morale and amplified productivity across our operations. Employees now enjoy a vibrant and inspiring workplace that empowers creativity and teamwork, ultimately leading to more efficient workflows and improved outcomes.

What are your plans for continuing this success and building on this recent achievement?

We are enthusiastic about continuing to exceed our customers' expectations and further solidifying our longstanding leadership in the region. We are committed to applying our advanced technologies to elevate operations. Our focus remains on maintaining high safety standards and strengthening our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers. By doing so, we aim to build on this success and achieve even greater milestones in the future.

Any final thoughts on the future of Nabors Kuwait?

The future of Nabors Kuwait looks very promising. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation. With our talented team, advanced technology, and a strong culture of safety and excellence, we are well-positioned to continue delivering outstanding results and contributing to the growth and success of the region's oil and gas industry.