MANAMA: ASRY, the leading ship and rig repair yard in the Arabian Gulf, recently completed its first land rig refurbishment project, on a drilling rig that is owned by one of the world’s largest oil and gas drilling contractors. ASRY has many years experience in offshore rig repair, but has now successfully expanded into onshore rig repair. The scope consisted of project management, engineering, procurement, and safety management of the upgrading of a 3000 HP land drilling rig.

“ASRY’s experience lends itself perfectly to diversifying into new areas such as land rigs,” commented ASRY Offshore Service General Manager, Rob Bryant. “We have been actively seeking this type of project, and glad we could rise to the challenge of such an extensive scope for a reputable global client.” The rig, a large 3000 HP land drilling rig capable of drilling depths of 30,000 feet, or 9,200 metres was stacked at ASRY awaiting its next contract negotiations.

The upgrade package included the rig substructure being raised five feet, the addition of a 100-tonne Blow Out Preventer (BOP) handling system, and the addition of mud pump, giving the rig a total of four 1600 HP mud pumps. Due to the increased power requirements by adding the new pump an additional Caterpillar 3512 x 1365 KW generator set was also added. Other work included the replacement of all solids control equipment and skids; a new well control manifold was fitted and installed; all pipework adjustments to accommodate the new substructure, including the well head risers (bell nipples) and the replacement of all BOP control pipe work. The mud system also required a complete foam fire-fighting system to be installed, in additions to a zero discharge collection system. Comprehensive blasting and painting was included.
The client’s satisfaction with the job bodes well for more rigs being refurbished and upgraded by ASRY in the future, with the yard’s safety compliance particularly highlighted by the client’s team as exemplary.