Salt: Frisia HVM-01 Salt Well Delivery
Project Description
The aim of the drilling project was to drill from an onshore location in the Netherlands to an offshore field to develop a salt cavern. HVM-1 is a large S-shaped monobore salt producer, featuring a 17-1/2” hole size at a final depth.
The well was planned with a 3300m step-out from the surface location at a depth of 3000m TVD. At the target the well needed to be vertical again to be able to safely develop the salt cavern, this resulted in an S-shaped trajectory.
Main objective for the well was to be able to produce brine with freshwater injection rate of 500m3/hr. To achieve this objective, it was crucial to get the planned (13-3/8” x 14”) last cemented casing string to final depth at 4500m MD.
The design resulted in the following casing configuration: 32”- 26” – 20” – 16” – 13 3/8” – 11 ¾” – 7”. The step out and S-shape resulted in a tangent of 65deg, with an early and sharp build-up in the lower North Sea group.
The drilling rig capabilities were a key parameter for the success of the project. The H&P T-207 was used and the topdrive upgraded to be able to supply the required torque.
Drilling operations started in December 2024 and lasted until July 2025. The combination of the large casing (and wellbore) requirements in combination with the challenging well trajectory resulted in various drilling challenges that needed to be overcome. Thanks to the contingency plans in place, these challenges were effectively managed.
The well was successfully drilled to a total depth of 4798m MD / 3006m TVD and installation of the leaching strings (7” and 11 ¾”) took place as planned.
Challenges
Drilling large bore S-shape trajectory. Shallow kick off. 65deg inclination. Hole cleaning. Well being vertical at target. Casing running with narrow clearance.
Role of WEP
Project management, well engineering, procurement support, planning, work program and HSE documents. Onsite drilling supervision support and drilling management/engineering from the office.
Overview
Client
Frisia Zout BVLocation
Havenmond, HarlingenWell
HVM-01Date
Start drilling: 21 December 2024
End execution: 18 July 2025Objective
Design and drill an ERD salt well, from the Frisia Havenmond location to the Havenmond concession.Depth
Depth (MD): 4798m
Depth (TVD): 3006m