Transocean to upgrade five more semis with drilling automation

Transocean Ltd. has entered into an agreement with Equinor to license and install automated drilling control (ADC) systems on four high-specification, harsh-environment rigs currently on contract in Norway and a fifth semisubmersible that is expected to start operations in the Norwegian Sea this summer.

In 2017, the semisub Transocean Enabler was equipped with the

and, the company said, has delivered tangible improvements in overall drilling efficiency that have led to more cost-effective wells for Equinor. Further, the system has demonstrated improvements in well integrity, while enhancing safety and operations assurance.

The upgraded floaters will include the Transocean Spitsbergen, Transocean Norge, Transocean Encourage, Transocean Equinox, and Transocean Endurance.

The ADC systems are developed through the combination of various technologies from MHWirth, NOV, and Sekal AS, which enable, among other things, higher rates of penetration while drilling, highly stable bottomhole pressures avoiding swab/surge effects and early detection of kick/loss events.

“The ADC upgrades advance our automation efforts and further enhance our industry leading fleet of high-specification, harsh environment semisubmersibles,” said Jeremy Thigpen, president and CEO. “We are delighted to work alongside Equinor and our suppliers as we continue to identify and realize opportunities to deliver safer, higher quality and lower cost wells for our customers.”

Source: Offshore-Mag