Improving casing running efficiency with tubular running services

Casing running plays a key role in well integrity and offshore project efficiency. Yet these operations are often a source of risk and delay. With increasing well complexity and growing performance expectations, maintaining high safety and efficiency standards, while keeping cost at a minimum, is more critical than ever.

Odfjell Technology addresses this challenge through a suite of tubular running services, built on decades of experience operating in some of the world’s harshest environments.

Across many recent offshore campaigns, our cross-trained crews, innovative technologies and integrated service models have delivered considerable and measurable results – demonstrating how smarter, collaborative ways of working can transform casing running performance.

Cross-trained crews that strengthen efficiency

TRS operations typically require dedicated specialist crews on standby, even during periods between tubular runs. By deploying cross-trained personnel across our TRS operations, we’ve enabled operators to significantly reduce crew headcount without compromising service quality.

In one North Sea project, we implemented a structured cross-training and competency programme that allowed rig personnel to take on a broader scope of TRS tasks. This allowed crew members to transition between primary duties and TRS support activities, ensuring expertise was available when needed while eliminating idle time. In a single year, this approach reduced offshore personnel requirements by more than 2,700 days and delivered an estimated cost saving of NOK 37 million while maintaining consistent operational standards.

Advanced technology that enhances safety and sets new benchmarks

Technology plays a crucial role in further reducing risk and strengthening performance. This is why our remote-operated AMS Elevator enables safe, hands-free pickup of slick pipe, and Casing Running Tool (CRTi) system streamlines casing connection make-up with improved torque control and operational speed.

This capability proved especially valuable in a project involving several non-standard casing sizes, where conventional methods carried increased safety and efficiency challenges. For the 17” slick pipe runs, a combination of the AMS Elevator and CRTi enabled pickup and handling without manual intervention.

With this technology in place, we reduced rig-up and rig-down times by up to 50 percent compared to the previous vendor and set new running speed records across multiple casing sizes. Crucially, these improvements were achieved while maintaining strong QHSE performance and consistently surpassing established key performance indicators.

Integrated execution for stronger performance

Traditional offshore operations often create silos between specialist service providers and rig crews with each group working within defined boundaries. This separation can lead to coordination gaps and inefficient resource utilisation.

We reshaped this model by bringing TRS specialists and rig crews together under a single integrated framework, ensuring the right competence is always available.

This structure eliminates the need for a dedicated TRS crew on continuous standby. Between tubular runs, personnel can improve utilisation and lower overall cost through supporting other rig activities. In a previous campaign, this approach delivered an estimated NOK 16 million in annual personnel savings while maintaining consistent performance.

Experience that operators trust

These results demonstrate the pivotal role TRS plays in delivering safe, efficient operations and the importance of selecting the right project partner. As operational demands increase, operators need solutions that protect well integrity, streamline execution and deliver consistent performance across increasingly complex campaigns.

With our depth of technical expertise, field-proven technologies and integrated service approach, Odfjell Technology is well positioned to help operators meet their casing performance targets.

To learn more about our tubular running services or explore our full well services offering, visit the Well Services page.