Siemens to modernize Middle East jack-up rig

German conglomerate Siemens has been awarded a contract by Arabian Drilling Company to modernize an offshore jack-up drilling rig for a customer in the Middle East.

Siemens said on Wednesday that the upgrade of the rig’s integrated drilling-drives lineup, including auxiliaries, and controls would enable the customer to meet the latest safety standards.

Delivery of the new system will be installed on anis planned for the early part of 2021.

The contract includes engineering, design, manufacturing, and delivery of the fully integrated modernization based on Siemens’ BlueDrive technology.

The Siemens solution, known as Master2Blue, will use the footprint, cable network, and communication principles of the existing system, enabling quick, modular-style installation, commissioning, and startup.

The system is a DC power grid that includes power electronics, controls, and cooling of 10 integrated variable speed drives.

According to Siemens, the BlueDrive system, developed and refined over the years to meet the offshore industry’s demanding requirements, is ideal for energy distribution in propulsion and drilling systems.

Thomas Steenberg, Siemens offshore solutions and business development director, said: “As the reactivations of stacked and un-utilized drilling rigs are increasing, Siemens stands fully ready to modernize offshore rigs and ships to make them safer and more energy-efficient.

“By using the latest drilling and propulsion drives technology, customers can assure their rigs and ships remain at the highest level of supportability for many years to come.”

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