Deep Casing Tools secures new investment

DCT’s growth is attributed particularly to its robust technology pipeline, and this funding will support DCT’s strategic R&D plans to develop and commercialise further innovations that will allow operators to develop assets safer and more efficiently. The investment will allow the firm to increase CAPEX investment and bring new technologies to the global market.

In early 2020, DCT announced that a UK patent had been granted for its MechLOK™ Drill Pipe Swivel (DPS), the industry’s first mechanical DPS.

This builds on its success in 2019, when the firm’s Casing Cement Breaker™ (CCB), an industry first, was trialed by Equinor in the Huldra Field reducing the force required to pull a piece of casing by around 40%. At this time, DCT also entered into a unique partnership with the Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) to progress further trials of the CCB with future plans in place to create a full casing recovery system.

The funding will allow DCT to continue to trial and patent new technologies and help the firm further expand its global footprint and exporting capabilities on the UK Continental Shelf, Asia, the Middle East, and the US. DCT’s SelfLOK flotation device, designed to float liners to target depth more cost-effectively, has seen a surge of interest in the US market and a number of active conversations are happening to secure regional trials.

In recent years, DCT has experienced significant growth having reported a 120% turnover increase in 2019 after it expanded its footprint in key international regions and secured major agreements, including a five-year contract with Saudi Aramco to supply its Turbocaser^TM and TurborunnerTM tools. This growth was driven by investment from EV Private Equity in 2018.

Jan Robertson, interim investment director at Scottish Enterprise said: “For decades, Scotland has excelled in energy sector innovation which has been recognised right across the globe. Deep Casing Tools is the epitome of that innovation and internationalisation and as we embark on Scotland’s economic recovery, it is essential that we partner with and support businesses like Deep Casing Tools to help reduce costs, increase environmental efficiencies and win new business overseas. Ultimately, it is central to ensuring the sustainability of our energy industry for the future and we look forward to supporting Deep Casing Tools through its next phase of growth.”

David Stephenson, CEO at DCT, said: “It is highly encouraging to secure the backing of Scottish Enterprise, and continued support from EV Private Equity, who share our vision for DCT’s future global growth and continued innovation.

“As the global energy industry focuses on achieving ambitious net zero targets, innovative downhole technologies that can unlock greater efficiencies and value, and ultimately help to reduce emissions, have never been more important. This backing allows Deep Casing Tools to continue to support the energy transition through smart, innovative technology based on simple mechanical principles.

“This funding strengthens our position as a leading technology innovator for the international energy market, and ensures that we are well-positioned to recover from the crisis and continue to grow our operations for many years to come.”

In 2018, DCT received an investment of over US$5 million from the leading technology-enabled impact investment firm, EV Private Equity. This enabled Deep Casing Tools to buy out a major shareholder as part of a strategic plan to reenergise the business and expand its footprint on the UK Continental Shelf, the Middle East, the US and Canada.

Greg Herrera, senior partner at EV Private Equity, said: “We are proud to continue our support of Deep Casing Tools with this latest investment alongside Scottish Enterprise. The team have developed market leading, one of a kind technologies that can bring significant emission reduction savings to the industry. We are looking forward to continuing this growth journey with DCT as the firm brings new innovations to market, further grows its global footprint and continues to support the energy industry in minimising the impact on the environment.”

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