Change in the weather: Weatherford International
Tasked with providing solutions to an industry in the midst of a seismic, once-in-a-generation shift, energy services provider Weatherford is embracing its points of difference.
The energy industry’s embrace of sustainability is a two-way street. It’s not always a matter of asking what your planet can do for you; you must ask what you can do for your planet.
And depending on who you ask, that can vary. Many gas and oil providers actually possess the resources to make a greener change, yet are unwilling. Others know enough to seek out knowledgeable partners that can help them make the switch – partners such as Weatherford.
Decades of innovation
Tracing its origins to its namesake town in Texas, the Weatherford of today provides innovative services to oil fields around the world, with operations in 75 countries.
Experts in sustainable energy services and one of the largest multinational oilfield service companies, Weatherford’s global presence has helped oil fields and natural gas producers all over the world recognize and optimize their assets to reach modern targets.
It’s come at a great time. Oil fields and natural gas producers around the world are looking for the kind of change Weatherford has made its stock-in-trade: flexibility, efficiency and responsibility. Weatherford’s strategic solutions, from implementing cutting-edge technology in remote oil rigs to harnessing geothermal energy in sustainable ways, are all those and more.

In the 1990s, Weatherford debuted its expandable completion technologies and became a leader in the field almost instantly.
The introduction of the drilling sector’s first rotating control device in 1968 announced Weatherford as an industry leader in terms of innovation. Over the years, its portfolio has become increasingly automated, intelligent and environmentally friendly.
In the 1990s, Weatherford debuted its expandable completion technologies and became a leader in the field almost instantly. Developed as a result of its acquisition of Petroline WellSystems in 1999, the MetalSkin family of products reduces the costs typically associated with conventional well construction.
Conversely, in March 2025, Weatherford introduced its Reclaim system, a breakthrough that challenged conventional methods of permanent plug and abandonment (P&A) operations. The end-of-life process for an oil or gas well usually involves the isolation of the main reservoir, termination of all potential flow from oil-bearing zones and removal of surface or seabed structures. This protects both aquifers and the surface environment from any subsequent uncontrolled flows.
Changing the game
Traditionally, this required costly rig-based operations and the removal of production tubing. After years of collaborative research, however, Weatherford’s Reclaim system changed the game. By using coiled tubing and a workover unit instead of a full rig, it enables rigless P&A operations, reduces environmental impact and sets permanent rock-to-rock barriers – all while maintaining well integrity and protecting potable water sources.
The solution is typical of Weatherford, which works with a clear understanding of how it can help bring about a sustainable future.
In the same vein, the VERO OneTouch Automated Tubular System makes it possible to streamline tubular running operations. An automated connection integrity solution system, it helps digitalize and automate operations for tangible performance gains.
By digitizing data into real-time analytics, VERO provides physical modeling that demonstrates the right ways to uplift a well and provide significant well life continuation, all while reducing the associated carbon footprint.
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From there, there’s a host of further optimizations Weatherford can provide, especially with the help of its partners and suppliers.
Weatherford’s operation in the Asia–Pacific region is a particularly important arm of the business. Partnerships with local companies such as oil and gas support providers Asian Supply Base have allowed it to galvanize its offerings.
Aiding the Weatherford mission is an attractive prospect for prospective partners. To be a link in ethical, sustainable and compliant supply chains, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, is a badge of honor in an industry laser focused on forging new standards.
As such, suppliers must adhere to the same strong, environmentally considerate values and ethical standards Weatherford has set for itself.
On the digital front, AI is proving to be another critical partner as the future rolls on, bolstering efforts by Weatherford to help streamline and automate internal operations as well as customer-facing solutions.
As part of the company’s strategic focus on digital transformation for its customers, Weatherford acquired leading unified data integration, analytics and machine learning firm Datagration Solutions in September 2024.
The move strengthened Weatherford’s ability to deliver end-to-end digital solutions for production and asset optimization, integrating advanced data models to drive real-time decision-making, enterprise efficiency and improved sustainability outcomes.
Growing partnerships
With companies such as Aramco, Exxon, Shell and Petrobras all enjoying Weatherford’s growing suite of solutions, the company has had a buoyant time since the worst of the pandemic. Profitability is up and annual revenue grew by almost US$2 billion from 2020 through 2024.
The production of energy in some way, shape or form is critical to the survival of the human race. In recent years, traditional forms of this pursuit have been increasingly viewed as harmful to humanity’s continuation, and calls for a better way have intensified.
Weatherford, with its range of energy solutions that are environmentally and economically sustainable, strives to answer those calls in innovative and pioneering ways.
Oil fields and natural gas producers around the world are looking for the kind of change Weatherford has made its stock-in-trade.
Energy providers have come to trust Weatherford as an all-in partner in driving maximum values, streamlining operations and enhancing safety and environmental impact.
And this effort extends beyond the company’s energy-based wheelhouses. In late 2024, a Weatherford-led drive helped to raise US$500,000 for Houston nonprofits in its home state of Texas.
"This is the epitome of what Weatherford stands for," said Girish Saligram, Weatherford’s President and CEO, at the time. "An indomitable spirit that drives us in our daily operations and inspires us to give back to the communities we serve."