Oil India well inquiry against Baker Hughes
Oil India has completed a high-level inquiry against Houston-based Baker Hughes to determine if it is responsible for a problem at a potential oil discovery well in Assam.
This report learns an inquiry report is already before senior Oil India officers. But the company is unlikely to act against Baker, the logging contractor at wildcat exploration well Bhojo-1 at location MGW at the 525.49-sq km Moran Extension PML in upper Assam (Lat: 27 deg 4 min 39.61 sec; Long: 95 deg 3 min 27.63 sec).
On March 19 (2024), Baker began logging the exploration well. A source alleges this led to a significant complication.
"There was a tool stuck in there, and we could not complete the (potential oil discovery) well," he says. "We know for sure there is oil and gas there, but because of this situation, other wells are delayed; an inquiry panel was set up under an Oil India ED rank."
By April 29 (2024), Oil India removed the tool and plugged the A-hole after drilling to 4600 metres TD on March 29 (2024). "We will have to drill a B-hole that will be directional," says a source.
"There was a problem, and work was held up for 24 hours, but if Baker leaves, who will replace it?" Initially, Oil India was said to have considered making Baker pay a penalty, but it seems to have executed a swift U-turn. Bhojo-1 was spud on September 22 (2023) in the North Safrai area by a Sindhu Tradelinks rig.
On its website, Baker claims that its trade-marked Proxima advanced logging services provide assured solutions for logging needs regardless of the operating environment, well condition, or hole size - without compromising on safety, speed, or accuracy. "Our oilfield technology and services help you operate efficiently and predictably, ensuring that projects are executed right the first time and assets consistently perform at peak productivity," says the Baker website.
"Our portfolio is enriched by digitalisation, artificial intelligence and automation capabilities that enable remote operations, reduce risk, and drive decarbonisation efforts." When contacted, Baker declined to comment.