In September 2026, Sura Energy Drilling’s Lead Trainer Subash Rajan concluded three Stuck Pipe Prevention and Case Studies workshops, bringing drilling personnel together to review real stuck pipe incidents from PETRONAS operations — and to apply the lessons through practical drilling simulator exercises.
The workshops were built around shared experience, open discussion and team-based problem-solving. Crew members brought their own operational knowledge into the sessions, examining how stuck pipe incidents develop and how timely, informed decisions can change the outcome.
Four objectives that guided every session
Every discussion and exercise was anchored to four practical objectives:
- Prevent — recognise early warning signs and take timely action.
- Respond — identify the likely sticking mechanism and determine the right first actions.
- Free — assess suitable remedial methods and, when appropriate, operate drilling jars safely and correctly.
- Learn — translate lessons from real wells into improvements for future operations.
The value of these workshops came from connecting real well experiences with practical judgement and collective learning.
Learning from real stuck pipe incidents
Case studies drawn from real wells gave the discussions their weight. Instead of abstract scenarios, teams looked at what actually happened downhole: the early indications, the decisions that were made, and how the situation developed.
Hands-on drilling simulator exercises
During the simulator sessions — led by Agus Riyadi of Velesto Academy — teams worked through stuck pipe scenarios step by step:
- discussing the indications as they appeared;
- assessing the possible sticking mechanisms;
- agreeing on the most appropriate response; and
- explaining each decision and considering its consequences.
These exercises created space to challenge assumptions — exactly the kind of thinking crews need when a real string starts to stick.
Experienced crews, active participation
The participating crew members brought extensive field experience, engaged proactively in the discussions and contributed fully to the practical exercises. Their participation is what made the workshops valuable learning experiences for everyone in the room.
Bring stuck pipe prevention training to your crew
Our Basic & Advanced Stuck Pipe Prevention & Fishing Operations programme — including a focused one-day Stuck Pipe Prevention, Jarring & Case Studies format — can be delivered in-house or at a partner training facility.
- View the stuck pipe prevention programme →
- Read: 7 early warning signs of stuck pipe every driller should know →
- Request a training proposal →
This update was first shared by Subash Rajan on LinkedIn.
