Twma's innovative waste management technology accelerates offshore drilling towards net-zero goals

The offshore oil and gas industry is currently facing mounting pressure to cut down emissions and align with worldwide climate goals, all while continuing to provide reliable energy. As part of this shift, innovative methods for managing drilling waste are gaining more and more attention because of their ability to lessen environmental damage and boost operational efficiency. At the forefront of these efforts is TWMA, whose evolving technologies provide a compelling example of how offshore drilling can be made more sustainable and closer to reaching net-zero ambitions.

Drilling waste—mostly cuttings along with slops—is pretty much an unavoidable byproduct of offshore operations. Traditionally, dealing with this waste involved resource-heavy processes, mainly transporting large amounts of untreated waste from the rig to land. This “skip and ship” approach, while meeting current standards, leads to significant carbon emissions, logistical headaches, and safety concerns due to frequent lifts and vessel transfers.

As Andrew Morris, Group Commercial Manager at TWMA, points out, the conversation around offshore decarbonisation is broadening. It’s not just about fuel efficiency anymore—waste management has become a critical lever to drive emissions reductions. The International Energy Agency has highlighted that oil and gas emissions must decrease by nearly 45% by 2030 if we’re to meet net-zero targets. That makes offshore drilling—one of the most energy-intensive parts of the industry—an urgent area of focus.

TWMA’s approach is all about turning drilling waste from a costly problem into a resource. Their RotoMill® system employs thermal desorption technology to separate cuttings into oil, water, and solid bits directly at the wellsite. This on-site processing allows operators to recover valuable fluids for reuse, cut down waste volumes, and significantly lessen the need to transport untreated waste to shore. The company claims this method can reduce carbon emissions associated with waste transportation by up to 90%, which entirely aligns with circular economy principles.

Designed to perform reliably in the tough conditions offshore, the RotoMill® system comes in models powered by diesel or electric. Its modular setup includes features like automated operations and remote control supported by digital sensors, which help improve safety by reducing manual handling and lifting operations—sometimes by as much as 95%. Plus, their digital platform, XLink™, offers real-time monitoring of safety, emissions, and compliance, which is increasingly important given the growing emphasis by regulators and investors on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.

Building upon this foundation, TWMA has recently introduced next-generation tech in its RX series. The RX1 brought AI-powered remote monitoring and control, and the upcoming RX2, expected to be launched late 2025, will be fully electric—zero emissions, pretty handy, right? According to TWMA, the RX2 aims to reduce emissions by more than 50% compared to offsite treatment options, increase processing capacity to around 10 tonnes per hour, and cut installation times by about 30%, thanks to its modular design. It also supports higher drilling rates and better operational resilience by enabling greater fluid recovery and storage.

Offshore facilities on land, like those in the UAE, are also reaping benefits from these advancements. TWMA is deploying larger static units, such as the RX3 and RX4, for industrial-scale operations. These models maintain the electric, zero-emission drive, while offering increased throughput and enhanced recovery capabilities. It’s a clear sign that TWMA is committed to integrating environmental considerations throughout both offshore and onshore drilling phases.

Recent business moves demonstrate increasing demand for these sustainable practices. For instance, TWMA secured a three-year contract with TotalEnergies UK in April 2025, focusing on waste reduction and resource recovery using RotoMill® technology on-site. This deal underscores how operators are increasingly prioritizing lower-carbon drilling techniques.

Regionally, TWMA’s innovations have been recognized. The company made it to the finals of the 2025 Oil & Gas Middle East Awards for both Sustainability Initiative of the Year—Upstream—and Digital Enabler of the Year. These nominations highlight TWMA’s pioneering role in cutting carbon emissions by over half and advancing digital environmental management through its RotoMill® and XLink™ solutions.

In addition, TWMA is planning to open a new drilling waste management facility in Habshan, Abu Dhabi, scheduled to start operations in mid-2025. This plant will handle up to 300 tonnes of drill cuttings per day, recovering significant amounts of oil or diesel. Its design emphasizes energy efficiency, electric drives, and remote monitoring, aligning well with the UAE’s broader goals for sustainable hydrocarbon production.

Looking forward, data indicates that the regional offshore waste management market will grow at a rate of over 9% annually over the next decade. This growth is driven by increasing drilling activity and the rising demand for sustainable solutions. TWMA’s technology aligns with this trend—showing that focusing on secondary processes like waste management can lead to significant emissions reductions without hampering drilling performance or safety.

As for what’s next, TWMA is heavily investing in future innovations aimed at delivering even greater environmental benefits. Automation, electrification, and digital solutions are set to reshape how drilling waste is managed, fitting into broader efforts to decarbonise, which include alternative fuels, carbon capture, and renewable energy sources.

In the end, the industry’s journey toward net zero hinges on incremental improvements across the board. But waste management—well, that’s one of the clearest opportunities for operators in both the UAE and the wider offshore world to make progress on climate targets while also cutting costs and improving resilience. TWMA’s evolving suite of technologies demonstrates that rethinking waste management—traditionally seen as just an expense—can actually turn it into a strategic asset that benefits sustainability, safety, and profitability all at once.

Source: Noah Wire Services