Illustration showing the DJ Basin, just one directional drilling innovation boosted ROP while drilling each of 12 wells in single runs—vertical through the curve and into the lateral.

Directional drilling services

Reach and stay in the productive zone faster and more efficiently

Achieve precise directional control

SLB provides the expert directional drilling services needed for high-quality wellbores that stay in the “sweet spot”—your optimal production zone. Our proven trajectory control technologies provide precise directional control using our LWD and MWD services that deliver high-quality data, enabling time-critical decisions for accurate drilling of extended-reach horizontal and complex directional wells.

Our directional drilling technologies

We have unmatched capabilities that integrate well construction digitization and technologies such as at-bit steerable systems and definitive dynamic surveying. We invented the rotary steerable system, and we now lead the industry with groundbreaking autonomous directional drilling. Additionally, we closely collaborate with directional drillers and directional-drilling contractors using real-time analysis solutions to monitor downhole conditions, manage BHA dynamics, improve casing-point selection, and reduce drilling risks—all enhancing drilling optimization.

Optimize the wellbore path

Our advanced BHA instruments can measure the path of the wellbore in three-dimensional space and map volumetric data on a reservoir scale; see up to 100 ft ahead of our innovative drill bits; make geosteering adjustments autonomously; and provide data links to communicate these downhole measurements to the surface. And it all enables the directional driller to optimize the wellbore path with pinpoint accuracy no matter the reservoir, no matter how complex the well, no matter how long the lateral. Read this case study demonstrating how SLB’s directional drilling capabilities extend your reach for better well economics.