Drydocks World Dubai completes major maintenance project on NDI jack-up

JULY 10, 2012 — Drydocks World, Dubai, has completed maintenance and upgrade work on Abu Dhabi-UAE based National Drilling Company’s (NDC) jack-up cantilever type self elevating drilling platform, Delma.

Drydocks World has repaired over a 100 rigs since operations began and has been implementing more projects for the offshore drilling sector in recent years as part of a  strategy to serve this rapidly growing market. The shipyard has this year worked on as many as six rigs simultaneously this year. Delma is the first of two orders received from NDC this year.

“We are extremely delighted to have completed yet another challenging project for NDC,” said Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World. “We have developed our business strategy around the offshore oil and gas industry as we see definite long-term growth prospects in this field due to continued offshore exploration and development. Drilling rigs with enhanced capabilities are a prerequisite as search for new hydrocarbon reserves reach deeper and harsher waters
 
Abdalla Saeed Al Suwaidi, NDC Chief Executive Officer, noted that “a reliable, modern rig fleet is essential to sustainable success” and that NDC had launched a major asset renewal plan that involved investment in new rigs, as well as the modernization of existing ones. The successful planning and execution of the major maintenance project on the Delma, which was built in Brazil in 1983, he said, “represents an important addition to the company’s offshore fleet and will contribute in advancing its offshore operations, which are expected to witness a considerable boost with the addition of the new rigs expected to join the company’s fleet this year and the following years.”

He expressed his appreciation for Drydocks World’s efforts in executing and completing the Delma in an efficient manner and on time.

The scope of the work on the Delma included complete overhaul of the starboard crane and overhaul of the port side crane, steel renewal in tanks, improving high pressure mud lines and stand pipe manifold and various pipes. The pipe lines were hydro jetted and the rig was blasted and painted. Internal rig inspection, painting of legs and derrick was carried out using rope access.   

in addition to regular maintenance, upgrades to the rig included replacement of two life boats and davits and shale shakers, fabrication and installation of BOP trolley beam and renewal of grass hopper cable trays.