Publications

For complex oil and gas projects that require drilling, proper tender prioritization is essential to maintain operational continuity as well as improve cost efficiency. This paper introduces a new framework, using Analytical Hierarchy Process to prioritize tenders for multi-zone drilling campaigns. The framework applies strategic planning alongside real-time data usage and risk management to enhance decision-making processes.

The framework is designed to provide a structured approach for assessing and ranking drilling tenders based on criteria like contract weight (significance), delivery time, and operational complexity. By using these criteria, the framework helps allocate critical resources—such as drilling rigs, material and drilling services—while ensuring that the most important tenders are addressed first. Analytical Hierarchy Process supports the process by assigning weighted scores to each tender, facilitating a transparent and efficient ranking system.

Real data from an oil and gas drilling company’s extensive database of active and pending contracts form the foundation of the prioritization model. The contract list provides detailed timelines, values, and execution requirements, offering a reliable basis for both technical and strategic analysis during the tender process.

The results show that this framework allows decision-makers to streamline tender management, reduce risks of project delays, and optimize resource allocation. Its flexibility makes it adaptable across various drilling phases, proving to be a valuable tool in enhancing operational efficiency in oil and gas projects. The study concludes by suggesting future research that could expand the framework to include additional factors, such as environmental impact and vendor performance metrics, further enriching the decision-making process in drilling projects.