April 6, 2004 - A SmartWell^® intelligent completion has been successfully installed by oil and gas services company WellDynamics for BHP Billiton in its Scindian field, Australia. This landmark project marks the first intelligent subsea well installation in this part of the world.

The Scindian field is located in the Browse Basin in Australia's Northwest Shelf and has been producing oil from subsea wells to the Griffin Venture FPSO since 1994. As an infill opportunity targeting a small volume of hydrocarbons, BHP Billiton recognised at an early stage that access to the overlying Birdrong reservoir, without the need for costly well intervention, would enhance the overall economics for the infill project. The contract for a two-zone SmartWell completion was awarded to WellDynamics in May 2003.

WellDynamics Direct Hydraulics completion, which has been installed in the Scindian-4 well, allows BHP Billiton to control two producing zones when required, without the need for costly intervention.

Mike Fleming, CEO of WellDynamics said, "We're very excited to be leading the way in Australia by being the first company to successfully install intelligent well completions technology. The project is a great success, which reflects the dedication and teamwork of the WellDynamics crew and all those involved. Having introduced the Australian market to SmartWell technology, we intend to build on this success by targeting other operators."

Direct Hydraulics is just one of a portfolio of products and services created by WellDynamics, which include SCRAMS^® (Surface Controlled Reservoir Analysis and Management System), Digital Hydraulics™ and Mini Hydraulics™.

Ends

Issued on behalf of WellDynamics by Weber Shandwick Worldwide. For further information please contact Claire McCabe on (01224) 806604 or email cmccabe@webershandwick.com

Notes to Editors

WellDynamics is the world’s market leader in intelligent completion technology. Formed as a joint venture between Halliburton Energy Services and Shell Technology Ventures, WellDynamics uses advanced intelligent well technology to deliver the world’s premier solutions for surface controlled reservoir monitoring and management of complex wells.

As well as its operations in Houston and Aberdeen, WellDynamics has a manufacturing plant in Livingston Scotland, and sales teams and operations in Norway, Brazil, Italy, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Brunei and Australia

Media Contact

Robin Swanger
+1.281.297.1276