Francis Clayton

A very experienced technical professional in the oil and gas industry with over 30 years experience in many Shell companies. Francis has a deep experience in Production Technology but also of working with and leading / managing professionals in the other Petroleum Engineering disciplines. He has experience in a wide range of subsurface conditions (sandstones, carbonates, oil, gas, tight gas) and operating environments (onshore, offshore, many countries). Apart from technical expertise Francis' main skills include an ability to work with and lead staff of different cultures and nationalities, a pragmatic approach and the drive to ‘deliver as promised’.

Areas of Expertise and Achievements

Well and Reservoir Management

• Implemented Well and Reservoir Management in Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
• Improved oil production through optimisation by 15% in Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) Marmul Asset
• Delivered WRM training in Canada and Kuwait

Well Integrity

• Implemented a Well Integrity (WI) system in KOC
• Conducted a Well Integrity assessment in PDO.
• Made Well Integrity decisions in Brunei Shell Petroleum in my capacity as the WI Technical Authority.

Well Modelling and Design

• Designed the highly successful multilateral wells in the Changbei (China) development, that allowed gas supply to the Beijing power stations in time for the 2008 Olympics.
• Conducted a liquid loading study for KOC.

Production Technology Discipline Leadership

• Regional PT Discipline Lead for Shell’s Unconventional Oil organisation in the Americas (40+ PTs)
• Chield Production Technologist for Brunei Shell Petroleum (40 PTs)
• PT Discipline Lead for Shell’s central technology organisation (50 PTs)
• Member of Shell’s global PT discipline leadership team for many years.

Technology Management

• Managed the Technology Programme for KOC’s Jurassic Gas asset
• Introduced various technologies in PDO
• Represented Shell Operating Companies at technology budget allocation workshops.

Field Development Management and Planning

• Managed field development for Brunei Shell’s offshore gas asset
• Conducted Field asset assessment and development workshops
• Managed the outsourcing of a Field Development study.

Subsurface Learning and Development

• Course Director of a Shell foundation course for sub-surface professionals
• Input to Individual Development Plans for numerous staff

Business Analysis and Improvement

• Led an After Action Review into the first five years of Shell and KOC’s partnership.
• Conducted an Opex study for Brunei Shell Petroleum land asset.