September 10, 2026
Yosafat Esquitin - Senior Business Development Manager - outlines how Welltec is helping operators reduce rig time and improve operational efficiency in emerging deepwater territories.
In these environments, operators are increasingly seeking solutions that reduce uncertainty during well construction and minimize the risk of costly remedial work.
The Welltec® Annular Barrier (WAB®) is a metal expandable packer with an impressive global track record, recognized as an industry-leading solution in annular isolation, cement assurance, and zonal isolation applications. The technology has been deployed extensively in the US Gulf, where continuing repeat orders are placed by discerning operators.
In the field: Guyana and Suriname
Welltec is transferring US Gulf deepwater experience directly into development projects in Guyana, where operators have selected WAB technology to isolate differentially pressured sands in evolving reservoir environments. Recent deployments include examples of unconventional setting sequences, utilizing washpipe and seal bore assemblies to isolate openhole sand screens. Working closely with operators and fellow service providers, a surface-controlled expansion sequence has enabled multiple WABs to be expanded simultaneously.
With regional support joining the client’s Remote Operations Center, a completion operation was recently monitored in real-time, and the success of the deployment used to establish a framework for future applications.
Additional WAB products have also been procured for exploration and appraisal activities in the Guyana/Suriname Basin, supporting effective zonal isolation during production testing and helping operators gather critical reservoir information with confidence.
Another recent deployment in the US Gulf featured a customized WAB solution engineered to provide zonal isolation and cement assurance in differentially pressured formations while addressing equivalent circulating density constraints through a slim running outside diameter configuration.
Such projects demonstrate the flexibility of the technology and the value of applying established deepwater experience to new developments.
Combined with Welltec's in-house manufacturing and assembly capabilities on global and regional levels, operators benefit from both proven technology and the responsiveness needed to support fast-moving deepwater development programs.
Responsiveness during development is critical. Supported by global fleet capacity local hubs with logistical resources, Welltec is well known for its ability to mobilize quickly, for example with drillpipe recovery operations for in Suriname.
Once wells are brought online, the focus shifts toward maximizing productivity while controlling operating expenditure. Welltec's intervention portfolio provides operators with a broad range of efficient, e-line solutions designed to minimize operational footprint while maximizing efficiency.
Combining advanced engineering with extensive field experience, Welltec delivers intervention services ranging from routine maintenance and diagnostics through to highly complex well remediation and recovery operations.
Electric-line deployed solutions enable fast and efficient execution, reducing intervention complexity, minimizing vessel requirements, and helping operators avoid costly rig-based campaigns.
Capabilities include mechanical manipulation tools, valve operations, plug setting and retrieval systems, and a comprehensive range of downhole isolation technologies capable of addressing demanding environments, including high-pressure, high-temperature applications.
The opportunities emerging offshore Guyana and Suriname are significant, but so too are the demands associated with developing world-class deepwater assets efficiently, reliably, and at scale.
By combining proven completion and intervention technologies with operational experience, Welltec helps operators reduce risk, improve efficiency, and support the transition from discovery to long-term production.
About Welltec
Welltec® is a global technology company delivering advanced solutions to oil & gas and new energy operators. Designed and manufactured in-house, our technologies are deployed directly in the field, supporting well construction, maintenance, and optimized performance across a wide range of operating conditions. With more than 30 years of experience, Welltec drives operational efficiency while reducing costs and overall footprint.