This course is designed to deliver high angle, horizontal and extended reach drilling training to engineering and operations personnel across the entire team. It combines the fundamental factors associated with high angle drilling success along with advanced engineering topics, real-world examples and detailed operational deep dives ensuring everyone in the team understands the risks and opportunities, and how their role contributes to overall project success.
Merlin - Complex Wells. Delivered.
We are world-class drilling engineering advisors, collaborators, and educators – specialising in delivery assurance for extended reach and complex wells.
Delivery Assurance for ERD, Complex & U-shaped Wells
550+ Projects Successfully Delivered in 52 Countries
World-Class Drilling Engineering Advisors
Independent Delivery Assurance In Drilling Operations
Merlin advisors support swift identification and resolution of drilling risks and opportunities, assuring high performance operations with minimal downtime whilst maximising asset value.
Whatever stage you’re at in your project, Merlin is ready for your call.
Services Merlin Offer
Course Options
Horizontal, high angle and ERD engineering and operations
Geomechanics
Merlin has developed a comprehensive geomechanics course, developed specifically for drillers. Understanding wellbore stability limits in any high angle hole section is critical for successful execution. We start at the beginning; from the causes of geomechanical stresses and how models are built and interpreted, through to what a wellbore stability problem might look like depending on the stress regime and more importantly, how you can recognise and avoid problems occurring in the first place. As well as the science, we focus on the practical application of drilling processes and technology to mitigate, manage and control these risks.
Stuck pipe prevention in high angle and ERD wells
This course is based on real-life events and lessons learned from actual stuck pipe investigations that Merlin has completed on behalf of operators over the last 15 years. The course provides your team with the knowledge to understand root causes, risk factors and risk reduction options, leading to a lower chance of an event and better outcomes if you do get stuck.
Pre and Post-Course Assessment
Assessment is fundamental to gauge the level of understanding of each topic and measure the level of learning throughout the course. Merlin will provide a detailed report with the assessment results, highlighting areas of strength and where further development may be required.
Experienced Trainers
Merlin courses are taught by industry experts each of whom has 20 years ERD/complex well experience. The team is led by Engineering Director, Neil Armstrong.
Training Material Access
All delegates retain access to Merlin’s training material after all courses, providing a valuable on-going resource via our online training platform.
Flexible Course Content
Course content can be modified to suit individual programs, including case studies based on the risk profile of your project/well. Our trainer can also be present at the DWOP to present the risk factors and mitigations.
Discuss your next project with Merlin
Experience By Your Side
Below you can see just a few of Merlin’s skilled operations team. With a substantial global presence, they have collaborated with independent, major, and national oil companies, establishing a track record of success.
Iain McCourt – Lead ERD Advisor
“I have 35 years’ experience in numerous drilling operations & senior engineering positions, all around the world. I deliver the full spectrum of Merlin’s services. I have always believed that personal integrity drives the highest service possible”.
Ali Blair – Engineering Manager
“I’ve been involved in drilling complex wells since 1995. I’m now responsible for making sure the advisors get the technical support they need when they are in the field. It’s satisfying when we can put the pieces of the downhole puzzle together and solve what would otherwise remain a “rig mystery”.
Callum Stewart – Engineering Lead
“Starting as a Drilling Engineer in Australia 15 years ago, I’ve since worked around Africa, Central and South America and most recently the UK for various operators. Having joined Merlin in 2023 as Engineering Lead, I’m enjoying the opportunity to work on some of the world’s most difficult drilling projects with a small but amazingly capable team.”
Michal – Engineering Manager
“I have been a Drilling Engineer for 16 years, having been with Supermajors, service providers and small independent operators. Since joining Merlin in 2019, I have had the pleasure of co-developing our TDH software and successfully rolling it out into the market. I’m proud to be part of an independent, employee-owned business surrounded by a great team, all pulling together in the same direction.
Neil Armstrong – Engineering Director
“Our advisors are like flankers in rugby or sweepers in football; they work tirelessly to ensure that nothing gets through the gaps. They use their knowledge and expertise to identify gaps or potential drilling risks and consult with the key players at the rig site to make sure the right action is taken to avoid a train wreck. Enlightened drilling supervisors do not want to drill challenging wells without them. Their insights and recommendations ensure the plan is not just followed but finely tuned for success”.
