Directional, Horizontal and Multilateral Drilling – Precision Well Design for a Complex Subsurface

By the end of this intensive intermediate-level course, participants will:

• Analyze and evaluate directional surveying methods, perform error modeling, and validate survey data integrity.
• Design and optimize advanced Bottom Hole Assemblies (BHAs) for directional, horizontal, and multilateral wells, considering torque, drag, and vibration mitigation.
• Apply geomechanical principles to address wellbore stability challenges and select appropriate drilling parameters.
• Develop and critique anti-collision strategies using industry-standard software tools.
• Plan and execute geosteering workflows for complex horizontal sections and multilateral junctions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve real-world drilling dysfunction scenarios, incorporating lessons learned from case studies.

This course is designed for professionals with prior experience in directional drilling operations and well planning, including:

• Drilling Engineers with foundational knowledge of trajectory design and BHA configuration.
• Directional Drillers seeking to deepen their technical expertise.
• Wellsite Supervisors responsible for planning and executing complex wellbores.
• Petroleum Engineers involved in designing and optimizing drilling programs.
• Geoscientists with experience in subsurface interpretation who collaborate on drilling operations.

• Intermediate

This 4-day intermediate program provides drilling professionals with a comprehensive skill set to plan, execute, and troubleshoot complex directional, horizontal, and multilateral wells. Moving beyond foundational concepts, the course equips participants to analyze survey uncertainties, design optimized BHAs, apply geomechanical principles, and implement advanced geosteering and anti-collision workflows. Through practical exercises, software-based simulations, and real-world case studies, attendees will gain the confidence and competence to deliver successful well construction in today’s increasingly demanding environments.

Your expert course instructor is an internationally recognized expert in petroleum engineering, with over two decades of academic, industry, and consulting experience spanning the United States, Australia, and the Middle East. He currently serves as the LeNorman Endowed Leadership Chair in Energy and Petroleum Engineering and the Department Head at the University of Wyoming. Prior to this role, he was the Chair and Continental Resources Distinguished Professor at the University of North Dakota, and formerly held senior academic positions at Curtin University in Australia and Amirkabir University in Iran.

He brings a wealth of experience in drilling engineering, geomechanics, rock physics, and unconventional reservoir development. His extensive portfolio includes leadership of large-scale research initiatives and the development of multidisciplinary labs and programs in collaboration with government, academia, and major energy companies.

Since 2012, he has served as a highly regarded instructor for Schlumberger’s NExT training program, delivering over 110 industry-focused courses around the world. His courses cover a wide array of technical areas including Directional, Horizontal and Multilateral Drilling, Hydraulic Fracturing, Rock Mechanics, and Sand Control. His consulting work with Schlumberger and other global operators has directly supported field operations, including wellbore stability analysis, hydraulic fracturing studies, and geomechanical modeling across Australia, PNG, the Middle East, and the United States.

Your expert course instructor is also an ABET evaluator and has played key roles in accreditation and curriculum development efforts. His training sessions are known for blending theoretical fundamentals with field case studies, offering participants actionable knowledge grounded in real-world challenges. A prolific researcher with over 300 publications and a strong Google Scholar citation record, he consistently ranks among the most cited academics in his field.

Known for his engaging teaching style and strategic vision, he combines academic rigor with practical insight, making his training sessions invaluable for engineers and managers alike aiming to excel in today’s complex energy landscape.

Unlock the potential of your workforce with customized in-house training programs designed specifically for the energy sector. Our tailored, in-house courses not only enhance employee skills and engagement but also offer significant cost savings by eliminating travel expenses. Invest in your team’s success and achieve specific outcomes aligned with your organization’s goals through our expert training solutions. Request for further information regarding our on-site or in-house training opportunities.

In our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will no longer providing hard copy training materials. Instead, all training content and resources will be delivered in digital format. Inspired by the oil and energy industry’s best practices, we are leveraging on digital technologies to reduce waste, lower our carbon emissions, ensuring our training content is always up-to-date and accessible. Click here to learn more.

To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized “One to One” coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster.
Request for further information post training support and fees applicable