What is directional drilling? A buyer’s guide for Alberta
By FieldAtlas · Updated
Understand oil and gas directional drilling, how it differs from utility HDD, and what to ask before shortlisting a contractor.
Directional drilling in oil and gas
Directional drilling controls the path of a wellbore rather than allowing it to follow an uncontrolled trajectory. The directional team uses measurements and steering tools to help follow the planned well path. Horizontal drilling is one application of directional drilling. For a buyer, the important distinction is the work package: a rig and crew, directional personnel, surveying and downhole tools may involve different suppliers. This guide explains procurement questions; the project’s qualified technical team must specify and approve the well design.
Oilfield drilling and utility HDD are different buying decisions
A search for directional drilling can also return contractors that install utilities and pipelines beneath roads or other obstacles using horizontal directional drilling (HDD). A utility crossing and an oil or gas well have different objectives and equipment requirements. State the intended work in your first inquiry. Do not shortlist a company solely because its website contains the words directional drilling.
Define the package before comparing companies
Ask each proposed supplier to identify exactly what it will supply: planning support, personnel, surveying, downhole tools, data delivery and any subcontracted work. Ask who coordinates those services with the rig contractor and your project team. Mark services that are included, excluded or subject to a separate quotation. A useful comparison starts with responsibilities, not an unsupported list of the best companies.
What to send in a request for quotation
Provide the project area, proposed schedule and the technical brief prepared by your project team. Identify the information suppliers need to assess suitability and ask what else is required before they can quote. Request a proposed scope, equipment specification references, named contact, mobilization assumptions, availability conditions and quote validity. Keep sensitive site information within your approved procurement process.
What to ask about an Alberta base
A published office in Calgary or an operations address in Nisku is a way to reach the company; it does not establish where a particular crew or tool package is today. Ask which base would support your project, which services are offered by the Canadian division and when resources can be confirmed. Our Alberta drilling directory links to published company services and contacts, including Ensign, which lists directional drilling among its company-wide offerings. Confirm the Canadian scope directly.
Compare replies using the same fields
For each reply, record scope owner, proposed equipment, dates, operating contact, mobilization basis, exclusions and unresolved questions. Treat an unconfirmed start date differently from a written commitment. Use the FieldAtlas RFQ template and availability checklist to keep the comparison consistent; a directory listing is a starting point, not a qualification decision.
Sources and further reading
Compiled by FieldAtlas from the official sources below. Company information and availability can change.