Tieback engineering

Platform tiebacks for pre-drilled wells 

Aquaterra is the market leader in tieback engineering, having tied back over 400 wells for leading operators across the world. Our expertise has provided the foundation of some of the industry’s most complex tieback campaigns, including the first project of its kind completed in Australia, the world’s first wells tied back using a HWU. 

From template design and installation, to pre-drilling and well suspension through to platform installation, well re-entry and final connection, we help operators integrate their drilling and project teams for platform developments, reducing uncertainty, managing risk and accelerating first production. 

For subsea tieback developments, we support the drilling and well-access requirements needed to safely and efficiently connect new and existing wells to host infrastructure. 

By considering the complete development rather than the tieback operation in isolation, we help operators connect drilling, development and production objectives to create a safer, more efficient route to first production. 

Connecting pre-drilled wells to production 

Pre-drilling enables wells to be drilled and suspended before the wellhead platform is installed. Once the platform is in place, those wells must be safely tied back to the surface facilities before production can begin.  

Aquaterra Energy supports this complete platform tieback process, bringing together the engineering, analysis, specialist equipment and offshore expertise needed to manage the critical interfaces between the original well, the new platform and the surface wellhead. 

By drilling and suspending wells ahead of platform installation, operators can often shorten development schedules and bring production online sooner. Considering these interfaces early helps drilling and project teams align their plans before key decisions are fixed, reducing the risk of incompatibility, rework or delays during offshore execution.