Expro’s Autonomous iTONG™ System Makes Landmark First Deployment in Sub-Saharan Africa, Transforming Offshore Operations
Expro (NYSE: XPRO), a global leader in energy services, has achieved a major milestone with the first-ever deployment of its cutting-edge Autonomous iTONG™ system in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region. This historic operation took place offshore Côte d’Ivoire for a prominent operator, Eni, supporting the expansion of the Baleine field — the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the region. The successful deployment aboard the Deep Value Driller (DVD) drillship in late 2023 marks iTONG™’s inaugural deepwater operation in Africa, following its initial introduction in Norwegian waters in 2021.
This landmark achievement underscores Expro’s commitment to revolutionizing offshore tubular running services (TRS) with next-generation technology, designed to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability for complex offshore drilling projects worldwide.
A Breakthrough in Offshore Tubular Running Technology
iTONG™ represents one of the most advanced tong systems in the oil and gas industry. Unlike traditional tong systems, which require personnel to work directly on the rig floor in close proximity to potentially hazardous operations, iTONG™ operates autonomously and remotely, significantly minimizing human exposure to risk zones. This system automates the connection make-up and break-out processes for casing and tubing joints — tasks that are crucial in drilling operations but historically time-consuming and safety-critical.
Operating from the safety of the driller’s cabin, iTONG™ allows operators to control torque precisely with the push of a button, ensuring every connection is made-up and validated with high accuracy. This automation not only streamlines workflow but also reduces the risk of human error, thereby raising the bar for safety standards offshore.
Moreover, iTONG™ is aligned with the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability. By shortening rig time and improving operational efficiency, it directly contributes to lowering net CO₂ emissions during well construction, supporting the global energy transition towards greener and more responsible operations.
Deployment in Côte d’Ivoire: A Major Step for Africa’s Offshore Industry
The recent deployment of iTONG™ on the DVD drillship in Côte d’Ivoire was part of an extensive contract secured by Expro to provide Tubular Running Services (TRS) for Eni’s development of the Baleine field. This project is vital for expanding Africa’s offshore oil and gas production capacity, tapping into one of the region’s largest hydrocarbon reserves.
After a swift delivery, installation, and commissioning phase on the drillship, iTONG™ rapidly transformed the tubular handling process offshore. Its autonomous capabilities brought tangible improvements that impacted the project’s economics and timeline positively.
Significant Operational Advantages Realized
The deployment has yielded measurable efficiency gains and cost savings for the Baleine field project:
- Connection Make-up Time Halved: iTONG™ reduced the time required to make-up tubular connections by 50%, dramatically accelerating drilling operations. This reduction translates into significant cost savings, approximately $200,000 per well project.
- Faster ‘Park-to-Park’ Connections: The time for completing ‘park-to-park’ connections—an essential operation involving the engagement and disengagement of tubular sections—was reduced from 180 seconds to just 90 seconds using iTONG™. This speed enhancement allows drill teams to maintain a brisker operational pace without compromising safety or precision.
- Improved Safety and Reduced Exposure: By eliminating the need for personnel to work in the rig’s hazardous Red Zone, iTONG™ has effectively enhanced crew safety, mitigating common offshore risks related to manual tubular handling.
- Precise Torque Control and Validation: The system’s automated torque application ensures every tubular connection meets stringent specifications, reducing the likelihood of connection failures or leaks, which can cause costly downtime or environmental hazards.
Industry Recognition and Future Potential
Jeremy Angelle, Vice President of Well Construction at Expro, expressed his enthusiasm about the successful deployment and the broader implications for the industry:
“Since iTONG™ was first introduced in Norway four years ago, it has quickly gained recognition among major operators as a premier solution for tubular connection make-up and validation. Its performance in Côte d’Ivoire has exceeded expectations, particularly with a 50% reduction in make-up times, which is a testament to the robustness and innovation embedded in this technology.”
Angelle further highlighted the collaboration with Eni: “The vision and commitment shown by both Expro and Eni in bringing iTONG™ to Africa exemplify a shared dedication to advancing safer, more efficient offshore operations. This partnership underscores the readiness of the African offshore market to adopt world-class technologies that drive operational excellence.”
He added, “iTONG™ continues to set new industry benchmarks, enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness globally. Thanks to investments in research and development, our teams remain at the forefront of innovation, helping to reduce emissions and deliver tangible cost savings to clients worldwide.”
The Broader Impact on Offshore Operations and Sustainability
The deployment of iTONG™ is more than just a technical upgrade; it is a leap forward for offshore operational practices with far-reaching implications. The system aligns with the industry’s priorities around safety and sustainability, critical drivers as operators worldwide navigate increasing regulatory pressures and societal expectations.
By automating high-risk manual tasks and optimizing drilling efficiency, iTONG™ helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of offshore projects. This is especially important as the oil and gas sector integrates more environmental stewardship into daily operations.
Furthermore, the introduction of such advanced technologies in emerging regions like Sub-Saharan Africa fosters local industry development and knowledge transfer. It paves the way for the adoption of digital and automated solutions that can transform the entire ecosystem, from workforce skills to supply chain logistics.
Expansion and Innovation
With the success of iTONG™ in Africa, Expro is poised to extend the technology’s deployment to other deepwater and complex offshore projects globally. The system’s ability to reduce rig time and enhance safety while lowering emissions presents a compelling value proposition for operators in all major offshore basins.
Future developments are also anticipated, with ongoing research focusing on integrating iTONG™ with other automated and digital drilling technologies, further enhancing real-time monitoring, data analytics, and predictive maintenance capabilities.
