IADC Released New Managed Pressure Tripping Standards
Operators in deepwater and land drilling can now adopt two new industry-standard practices for pressure control.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Oil and Gas
The IADC UBO/MPD Committee has issued two new recommended practices for managed pressure tripping, covering both land and deepwater drilling operations. These guidelines aim to standardize technical procedures across global oil and gas sites.
Why it matters
Standardization helps operators reduce well control risks and align complex drilling workflows with industry best practices. These releases provide a structured framework for managing bottom-hole pressure more safely during tripping operations.
The IADC released two new recommended practices while maintaining an accreditation program through seven global training providers. Additional standards are currently under internal review.
The players
IADC
An international trade association representing the drilling industry by developing technical standards and safety accreditations.
IADC UBO/MPD Committee
A technical body dedicated to establishing industry-wide recommended practices for managed pressure drilling and underbalanced operations.
The details
The IADC UBO/MPD Committee developed these practices to streamline how companies handle pressure differentials during tripping, a critical phase where drilling fluid density is adjusted. By formalizing these methods for both land and deepwater environments, the committee provides a benchmark for equipment utilization and safety. Companies are expected to integrate these practices into existing operational manuals as the IADC concurrently expands its global training and accreditation reach.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: Committee chair presented the new initiatives in London.
2027: The committee expects to further expand its accreditation program.
Market Landscape
The new standards follow the established trajectory of the IADC MPD accreditation program, which seeks to unify disparate regional drilling practices into a single global standard. This action signals a broader push to harmonize technical procedures across both onshore and offshore sectors.
Drilling managers should review current internal tripping procedures against these new IADC recommended practices to ensure alignment with updated safety standards. Teams should also verify if their training providers are part of the expanded IADC-accredited network.
The takeaway
Technical standardization lowers operational friction and improves safety outcomes during high-pressure drilling phases. Operators should monitor the IADC's 2027 accreditation expansion to determine if current site-level training meets the latest industry criteria.
What happens next
The committee is scheduled to continue the expansion of its global managed pressure drilling accreditation program throughout 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on how technical shifts affect field operations, visit our Oil and Gas section.
