From one man’s vision, to a multinational and global organization
Welltec AS is first established in Denmark and the first ever Well Tractor field trial is performed with ConocoPhillips.
The Well Stroker is introduced. The first ever downhole linear actuation tool that marks the start of the downhole e-line interventions segment.
Welltec launches its unique Welltec Annular Barrier (WAB) metal expandable packer and Welltec Flow Valve (WFV) signaling its entry into the lower completions segment.
A full-scale Test Flow Loop facility in Esbjerg, Denmark is opened with the sole intention to support testing for Carbon Capture & Storage projects.
In 1987, Jørgen Hallundbæk developed a groundbreaking idea as part of his thesis at the Technical University of Denmark: the Well Tractor®. This pioneering innovation reshaped well intervention and laid the foundation for what would become Welltec®, established in 1994.
That spirit of bold thinking and practical innovation continues to drive us today, as we strive to challenge convention and improve industry standards.
What began as a single vision has grown into a multinational organization with more than 1,000 employees worldwide.
The original Well Tractor
The original Well Tractor changed the entire game. When it was first introduced to the market, it enabled interventions that had never been possible before.
The Well Tractor was unique because it facilitated the deployment of other tools into horizontal and highly deviated wells, without involving heavy or large amounts of equipment.
Substantial cost savings
Instead, the Well Tractor is run on electric line that can be as short as 10 ft. Which means it can be transported by helicopter for extremely fast mobilization, significantly reducing the personnel and equipment footprint that is often required by heavier intervention means.
The result? Oil companies have changed their strategy based on the new possibilities that the Well Tractor brings to the industry. Their reward? Substantial cost savings plus increased recovery from their wells.
Developing new solutions to specific challenges has since become our hallmark, our signature, one that we are committed to continuing.
| Year and award | |
| 1996 | Petroleum Technology Transfer Council Award |
| 1998 | Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Innovation Award – Well Tractor |
| 1999 | Special Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation |
| 1999 | Børsen Gazelle Award – Gazelle of the Year |
| 2002 | King Frederik IX Award for Excellence in Export |
| 2003 | Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Innovation Award – Well Stroker |
| 2005 | World Petroleum Council Meritorious Award for Technical Excellence |
| 2006 | Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year – Jørgen Hallundbæk, |
| 2007 | Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Innovation Award – Well Miller |
| 2008 | ONS Innovation Award – Well Miller RCB |
| 2008 | OTC Spotlight on New Technology Award – Well Miller RCB |
| 2009 | OTC Spotlight on New Technology Award – Well Cleaner PST |
| 2011 | Owner-Leader of the Year – Entrepreneurial Prize |
| 2012 | Best Stand >50m2 at Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) Exhibition |
| Year and award | |
| 2012 | Mediehuset Ingeniørens Global Award – Well Cutter |
| 2013 | OTC Spotlight on New Technology Award – Well Cutter |
| 2013 | ICoTA Intervention Technology Award – Well Cutter |
| 2014 | ICoTA Intervention Technology Award – WellLIT |
| 2014 | Best Custom Build – APPEA 2014 |
| 2015 | OTC Spotlight on New Technology Award – Welltec Annular Barrier (WAB) |
| 2020 | CFI.co Award for Most Innovative Technology Solutions – Europe |
| 2022 | ANP Technology Innovation Award – WAB and WFV |
| 2022 | Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation (MEA) – Wellgrab |
| 2023 | Meritorious Awards for Engineering Innovation (MEAs) – Welltec Puncher 218 |
| 2023 | OWI Global Award for Best Example of Subsea Intervention – Ultra-slim (2-1/8") e-line intervention tools |
| 2024 | OWI Global Award for Best Example of Well Integrity Innovation – Isealate Springblade Patch |