An operation coordinated from our Real Time Operations Center enabled a 3,582-meter horizontal branch to be used using a downhole bore motor and complementary technologies, pushing the boundaries of technical and economic possibility in Vaca Muerta.

The company recently notched up a major milestone in the Neuquén Basin, at the Puesto Parada 122 well: the team drilled a 3,582-meter horizontal branch using only a downhole motor, without using a Rotary Steerable System (RSS). To make sure the technical hurdles were not a problem, the team brought in NOV’s ZP Agitator and Nabors’ SmartSlide, which helped improve weight transfer and maintain directional control, both key to making this achievement possible.

“Until recently, when we planned a well using a downhole motor, we’d cap the horizontal section at around 2,500 meters. Now, we’ve pushed that limit a full 1,000 meters further,” says Iván Griso, Drilling Principal, who was part of the operation. “It’s a really big deal because we’re reaching this kind of scale using simpler and more affordable tools. That opens up exciting possibilities as well as speeding things up. In fact, we’re already planning to apply this approach on new wells.”

The decision to forgo the use of RSS in this operation was part of a risk mitigation strategy, given the deposit’s challenging geological conditions. “With the downhole motor, although it offers less precision, we were able to steer clear of the most hostile zones and adopt a different drilling strategy in the branch, avoiding tricky areas like tuffs,” explains Iván. The choice between one technology or another, he adds, always depends on the specifics of each well.

To offset the motor’s limitations, the team brought in extra tech—NOV’s Dual Agitator ZP tools to help transmit weight to the bottom, and Nabors’ SmartSlide & SmartTools to enhance directional control. That’s where another key player stepped in: the Real Time Operations Center (RTOC).

“The entire operation was controlled 100% from the RTOC,” explains Luis Velasco, RTOC Drilling Director. “We didn’t just push technical boundaries: we also advanced in automation and autonomous decision-making. Today, thanks to the synergy achieved between NOV and Nabors and our centralized command at the RTOC, we’re achieving execution targets that are both highly precise and fully remote.”

This operational management model, based on real-time analysis and remote control, is opening up new possibilities for the future. “Before, a lot of decisions were made out in the field, whereas today, they’re made with the field, but backed by much stronger technical support. That kind of autonomy makes all the difference,” points out Hernán Pianciola, RTOC Manager.

Recognition of the achievement came quickly from beyond the well. Andrés Valacco, Drilling Senior Director, remarked that this breakthrough “is about more than just meters drilled—it sets a new bar for efficiency and teamwork.” He stressed that the record achieved was only possible thanks to the smart combination of cutting-edge tools and the commitment of the operations and field teams.

Beyond the technical leap, the economic impact is just as compelling. By lowering both costs and risks, this type of drilling offers a more profitable path for future developments. “We’re always chasing optimization, always pushing for more profitable wells. Having proven this approach now gives us a real head start on what’s coming next,” says Luis Velasco.

And what’s next is picking up speed!