Successful Well Delivery with Early Engagement and Real-Time Geomechanics Support within a Heterogeneous Carbonate Reservoir

Abstract This paper presents the successful execution of a technically demanding lateral well, drilled through a geologically complex and high-risk reservoir. The well trajectory was deliberately oriented in the direction of the minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) within a strike-slip tectonic regime—a configuration known to pose significant wellbore stability challenges. The complexity of the operation was further intensified by pronounced reservoir heterogeneity, which introduced substantial variations in both rock mechanical properties and in-situ stress profiles along the lateral section. Compounding these geological challenges, the well was classified as a high-temperature environment, which imposed strict constraints on the hydraulic regime. These thermal limitations restricted the operational flexibility of mud weight and flow rates, making it critical to strike a precise balance between wellbore stability and hydraulic safety margins. To address these multifaceted challenges, a robust pre-drill geomechanical model was developed, incorporating detailed offset well analysis and accounting for reservoir depletion effects and stress redistribution. This model enabled the definition of a narrow but reliable mud weight window, tailored to the specific geomechanical conditions of the reservoir. The mud weight strategy was further reinforced by the deployment of full Real-Time Geomechanics support throughout the drilling phase, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response to any emerging instability risks. As part of a proactive, early engagement strategy, the geomechanical study and its findings were presented to both the client and Baker Hughes teams during the planning phase. This collaborative, multidisciplinary approach ensured alignment on risk mitigation strategies and operational readiness. During drilling, a dedicated real-time advisory group continuously updated the geomechanical model using live downhole data and provided timely, data-driven recommendations to the drilling team. Drilling horizontal wells in strike-slip regimes—especially in the Shmin direction—is inherently risky due to the increased likelihood of borehole breakouts and instability. These risks are further exacerbated by lateral variations in reservoir properties, which introduce uncertainty into pre-drill models and complicate real-time decision-making. In this context, real-time geomechanics monitoring proved essential for maintaining borehole integrity and minimizing Non-Productive Time (NPT). The lateral section was drilled entirely within the recommended mud weight envelope derived from the pre-drill model. The operation was completed as planned, with no significant wellbore instability events and no recordable NPT. The result was a smooth, in-gauge wellbore that facilitated the acquisition of high-quality wireline logs, enabling accurate reservoir evaluation. Following successful logging, the liner was run and cemented without incident, marking the completion of a technically successful operation. This case study underscores the critical value of early geomechanical engagement, collaborative planning, and real-time monitoring in delivering complex wells. The seamless integration of pre-drill modeling with real-time geomechanics support was instrumental in achieving a stable wellbore and ensuring the safe and efficient execution of both drilling and completion phases.