Rig upgrade can reduce carbon emissions

Rig inspections provider, ADC Energy said that an upgrade to Dynamically Positioned (DP) rigs power systems can reduce carbon emissions by almost 5,000 tonnes per year, delivering a fuel saving of $620,000 per year - while reducing engine running hours by 20 percent.

The company said that by upgrading existing rig power management systems to allow for closed-bus mode, which ties the switchboards together, allows the power plant to run with less engines and optimal loads.

“We recognise this enhancement requires considerable investment from rig owners and operators but as the sector continues its efforts to deliver more sustainable operations, this capital is essential to support net zero goals. Existing rigs and vessel are critical components in the energy transition, and we are already working with a number of clients to advise them through this process to ensure that assets continue to operate safely and efficiently with minimal environmental impact,” said Austin Hay, Director at ADC Energy in a statement.

The company said that the typical DP drilling units operate in HV split-bus, or open-bus, configuration with the power management switchboards operating in silos, using an independent island philosophy.