Halliburton Acquires Sekal AS From Sumitomo Corporation to Accelerate Drilling Automation Services

Key Terms

digital drilling autonomy technical

A system that uses sensors, real-time data and software to control drilling equipment with little or no human direction, like an autopilot for boreholes. For investors it matters because it can cut labour and error-related costs, speed up project schedules and reduce risks from accidents or downtime, which can improve profit margins and predictability for companies that adopt it.

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Automated geosteering is a computerized system that uses real‑time measurements from a drilling bit to steer a well toward the most productive rock layers without constant human input. Like a car’s GPS autopilot keeping you on the best route, it helps drill precisely where oil or gas is likeliest to be, which can raise production, cut drilling time and costs, and reduce the risk of costly mistakes—factors that directly affect a project's economics.

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Form S-3 is a legal document companies use to register their stock sales with the government, making it easier and faster for them to raise money by selling shares to investors. It’s like having a pre-approved shopping list that lets a company quickly sell new shares when they need funds, without going through a lengthy approval process each time.

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HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) and Sumitomo Corporation (TYO: 8053) today announced that Halliburton acquired Sekal AS (“Sekal”). Sekal is a global leader in digital drilling autonomy and, prior to Halliburton’s acquisition, was a fully owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation.

The successful conclusion of the transaction marks a significant milestone for Halliburton, Sekal, and Sumitomo Corporation. Sumitomo Corporation supported Sekal’s growth, strengthened governance, and positioned the company for its next phase of evolution. This acquisition advances Halliburton’s strategy to strengthen its drilling automation services and maximize customer asset value.

The acquisition combines Halliburton’s LOGIX^® automation and remote operations with Sekal’s advanced DrillTronics^® automation platform and services to deliver a comprehensive and industry-leading drilling automation portfolio. The combination of these solutions with Halliburton’s LOGIX^® Automated Geosteering service unlocks the potential to further increase reservoir contact in the most consistent and efficient manner. This integration supports seamless automated control and optimization of drilling operations, integrating well placement, wellbore hydraulics, and rig operations in real time.

“This acquisition rapidly expands our automation capabilities and delivers industry-leading digital solutions that lower well construction costs, increase recovery, and reduce operational risks for our customers,” said Jim Collins, vice president, Halliburton Sperry Drilling. “By bringing together our field-proven technologies, we unlock the full potential of digital well construction and set a new standard for automated drilling operations.”

Jarle Vaag, Sekal CEO, added, “Joining Halliburton is a natural evolution for Sekal. The team at Sekal has worked closely with our clients providing our technology and services to the industry regardless of the service providers. While we will continue to support this market, the opportunity with the combined expertise of Halliburton and Sekal to advance our technical capability and accelerate the adoption of digitally integrated well construction will deliver a unique automation solution to our new and existing customers worldwide.”

“To date, Sekal’s solutions have been deployed in more than 1,300 wells worldwide. This transaction underscores the continued collaboration between Sumitomo Corporation and Halliburton to further deepen our relationship, including in the digital domain, create long-term value, and support the development of the global energy sector,” said Masahiro Yoshimura, general manager of the Energy Tubular Strategic Business Unit, Sumitomo Corporation.

The Halliburton-Sekal automation solution is currently deployed across multiple projects and provides real-time advanced models of subsurface, wellbore fluid, and pressure systems, coupled with smart directional drilling tools and automated rig controls. Customers benefit from up to 25% reduction in well delivery times, through precise well placement, dynamic drilling parameter optimization and fully automated tripping operations — all with the push of a button.

ABOUT HALLIBURTON

Halliburton is one of the world’s leading providers of products and services to the energy industry. Founded in 1919, we create innovative technologies, products, and services that help our customers maximize their value throughout the life cycle of an asset and advance a sustainable energy future. Visit us at www.halliburton.com; connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

ABOUT SUMITOMO CORPORATION

Sumitomo Corporation (TYO: 8053) is an integrated trading and business investment company with a strong global network comprising 125 offices in 63 countries and regions. The Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of approximately 500 companies and 80,000 employees on a consolidated basis. The Group's business activities are spread across the following nine groups: Steel, Automotive, Transportation & Construction Systems, Diverse Urban Development, Media & Digital, Lifestyle Business, Mineral Resources, Chemicals Solutions and Energy Transformation Business. Sumitomo Corporation is committed to creating greater value for society under the corporate message of "Enriching lives and the world," based on Sumitomo’s business philosophy passed down for over 400 years. Sumitomo Corporation.

ABOUT SEKAL AS

Sekal AS is the leading provider of advanced drilling automation solutions, delivering innovative technologies and services that enhance efficiency, safety and performance across upstream oil and gas operations. The company supports operators and drilling contractors with integrated digital tools and automation capabilities designed to optimise well delivery, improve decision-making in real time and reduce operational risk.

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For Investors:
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281-871-2688

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For Sumitomo Corporation:
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Source: Halliburton