In the lifecycle of an offshore well, including drilling, completion, production, and finally decommissioning, each stage demands a distinct set of technical competencies.

Safe and permanent closure of these wells is critical and this is where HydraWell, as well abandonment experts, bring deep value.

The importance of expertise

Well plugging and abandonment requires a blend of engineering knowledge, regulatory compliance, environmental responsibility, and cost efficiency. As is the case for drilling and completion, well abandonment frequently demands a bespoke solution tailored to the specific conditions of each well.

“Each well has its own history and its own challenges, and that’s where we come in,” says Marcelo Jaculli, our Technology Development Lead.

“Our strength lies in applying proven methods to different scenarios. Every job begins with a rigorous engineering review, either referencing our extensive database of previous operations or developing a new approach when needed.”

This combination of track record and adaptability is essential in an industry that is both risk-averse and highly scrutinised. The presence of a well abandonment specialist ensures not only regulatory compliance but also instils trust and builds confidence and continuity across the well’s lifecycle.

The Evolution of Perf, Wash & Cement® and HydraCT™

At the heart of HydraWell’s offering is our proprietary Perf, Wash & Cement (PWC®) method, an alternative to traditional techniques like section milling and cement squeeze. PWC® has become a global benchmark, proven in over 650 installations and across geographies as diverse as the North Sea (UK & Norway), Brazil, Alaska, and Australia.

But innovation hasn’t stopped there. We have continued to shake up the market with the launch of HydraCT™, a next-generation rigless technology developed specifically for coiled tubing applications. This system allows operators to eliminate the need for costly rig mobilisation while maintaining barrier quality and verification.

The benefits speak for themselves:

• Up to 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions
• Cost savings of up to 60%
• Operational time reduced to less than 24 hours in recent deployments

The debut of HydraCT™ in Alaska, a remote, logistically challenging environment, demonstrated the viability and value of rigless P&A operations, setting a new standard for sustainability and efficiency.

The benefits of rigless technologies

Traditional abandonment often relies on heavy rig mobilisation, which can be time consuming and in turn, can drive up costs. In contrast, HydraCT™ reduces footprint and complexity, especially on unmanned platforms or in regions with limited rig availability. By integrating coiled tubing with a proprietary jet-propulsion and self-rotating tool, the system delivers high-performance annular isolation without the need to pull pipe or run drill pipe.

“Rigless is not just a cost saving measure,” continues Marcelo. “It’s a fundamental shift in how we think about Plug & Abandonment.

“HydraCT™ is a key component in the path towards rigless and our development of this breakthrough technology means we have made huge strides in supporting our clients’ environmental savings as well as working for the greater good of the industry as a whole.”

Engineering at every step

Behind every successful deployment is a dedicated engineering effort. HydraWell’s experienced team uses both historical data and advanced simulations, such as CFD technology (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to predict how fluids behave downhole and to validate barrier performance before operations begin. This level of analysis provides clients with tangible assurance that each solution is not only efficient but safe and compliant.

In cases where past data doesn’t offer a direct match, CFD modelling allow us to predict the best solution to help our clients in making an informed decision.

Section milling, once considered the gold standard for plug and abandonment, is being challenged by HydraWell’s PWC® and HydraCT™ technologies offering a smarter path forward, with the bonus of being more environmentally friendly. Our revolutionary solutions not only meet technical demands but also align with operators’ ESG goals.

Our company’s leadership in technology development is also evidenced by our recognition as a finalist in the Offshore Achievement Awards 2024, celebrating post-commercial deployment success. But perhaps most compelling is our 98% plugging success rate, a testament to both our people and processes.

At HydraWell, we aren’t just delivering results - we are proud to be redefining what’s possible in well abandonment.

Thanks to a combination of technology, tailored engineering, and field-proven experience, we are helping shape a smarter, cleaner future for the offshore energy sector.

Want to Learn More?

Find more information about our PWC® solutions or our innovative HydraCT™ tool.