SLB, a global energy technology company, has launched the OnWave autonomous logging platform, a first-of-its-kind solution designed to improve the efficiency and safety of formation evaluation in all well conditions.
The OnWave platform operates without the need for a wireline unit or cable. Its cable-free design allows it to be deployed in less than half the time of traditional wireline systems. It also permits drill pipe rotation and mud circulation during operations, reducing the risk of stuck pipe incidents and boosting overall well safety.
“The OnWave platform marks the beginning of a new era in formation evaluation,” said Frederik Majkut, president of Reservoir Performance at SLB. “By streamlining how we gather high-fidelity measurements downhole, we are opening up key opportunities for our customers to integrate data-driven decision making into their workflows across the well life cycle — from exploration through to production and recovery, he added.
The platform can be used in any well trajectory and does not require an SLB crew onsite. It autonomously handles key downhole tasks that would normally need surface-based engineers, including data acquisition and quality control. Uniquely, it maintains continuous communication with the surface, confirming tool status and position in real time — something most wireless logging systems cannot do. This ensures data quality and avoids the need for repeat runs.
The OnWave platform has been deployed successfully in various regions, including the United States and the Middle East. In South Texas, it cut landing time to total well depth from hours to just 27 minutes, a 70% reduction compared to traditional methods. Data processed at the surface delivered high-quality petrophysical and acoustic insights, enabling better completion and stimulation design, and helping to derisk field development for the operator.
