Jack-up rig deal opens offshore energy sector doors to Swedish player

Sweden’s Echandia, a developer of heavy-duty energy storage solutions for maritime and offshore applications, has entered into the offshore energy sector, receiving an initial order for battery systems to help reduce emissions and increase the energy efficiency on a jack-up drilling rig.

Echandia reported on Friday, 3 February 2023, that the order with an undisclosed company was for a jack-up rig in the Middle East amid the growing pressure on oil and gas producers from their customers to minimise the carbon footprint associated with the production of purchased energy carriers.

The Swedish firm explains that hybridisation of the drilling platform contributes to this goal by eliminating peak loads that would otherwise require multiple generators to operate under off-design conditions. According to Echandia, this allows for smoother operation, reduced fuel consumption and lowered maintenance costs while providing an attractive return on investment.

Fredrik Hellström, CEO of Echandia, commented: “Echandia is proud to have taken this contract, and to be a part of increasing efficiency of natural gas extraction in the Middle East. There is clearly a strong trend to reduce emissions in various parts of the fuel production process, often driven by the buyers. Our solutions play an important role in this transition and we are happy that our products contribute to reduced emissions and energy efficiency in this industry.”

Furthermore, the company highlighted that the 860 kWh heavy-duty energy storage system, based on its maritime-certified battery system, was chosen for its “unparalleled safety, long lifetime and high-power capabilities.” The container-based storage solution allows for simple plug-and-play installation onboard, elaborated the Swedish player.

Echandia claims that applying heavy-duty battery systems in the offshore energy industry will help highlight the possibilities to reduce fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs. As a whole, the industry will benefit greatly from increased hybridisation, outlined the firm, adding that it sees opportunities for rapid growth while helping producers meet increasing demands for more efficient operations.