Profile

2008 has started as 2007 finished with Aberdeen Drilling Consultants involved in projects across the globe in what is an extremely busy time for our industry. Our Engineers are currently active with projects in almost every area of the world where oil and gas are explored and produced including Libya, Oman, Singapore, China, Malaysia and Dubai with further rig inspections, dropped object/safety surveys, well integrity testing and rig acceptance testing to be carried out throughout the next 12 months and beyond.

Recruitment

There have also been a number of new recruits joining the company over recent weeks and months as we look to expand and meet the challenges of our industry over the course of 2008.  The implementation of drilling equipment and the many other facets of our services over this busy period has allowed us to add a further two Principal Specialists in Drilling, HSE and Well Control. Adding to this experience we have recruited a Senior Specialist in HSE, as well as an Operations Manager and another Staff Engineer who is already travelling the globe representing ADC. We at Aberdeen Drilling Consultants welcome Mr Dennis Clark, Mr Robert Booth, Mr Alistair Tong, Mr Martin Clark and Mr Austin Hay.

Aberdeen Drilling Consultants is continually looking for both new and experienced engineers. Should you be interested in making an approach to our company please send your CV and any other information to the following email address: info@adc-engineering.com

Current Projects International travel is an every day part of our business and our industry. Our major projects have been in drilling equipment FATs and rig pre charter inspection, with an increase in new drilling rig acceptance testing for oil and gas production companies as well as management surveys on performance. Recently we have added another string to our bow in advising clients such as international banks and financial institutions on the purchase of new drilling rigs and equipment from the emerging and numerous “new world” rig manufacturing facilities.

Rig Acceptance Testing In one instance, we have been overseeing the commissioning of a 1500 HP Land Rig on behalf of one of our clients, Mari Gas Company Limited, an operating company in Pakistan. As this rig is being built in China, it has given us the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the manufacture and testing both with the rig builder, as well as the numerous equipment companies supplying everything from the BOP to the Top Drive. As our experience with these manufacturers grows over time, we will be able to provide our Clients, the Operators, with the expertise they require to get the very best out of these rig builders and their final product; their Land Rigs, Jack Ups, Semi-Submersibles and well control equipment. The reinstatement and support to operators of current drilling rigs continues to be a mainstay of our business also.

Drilling Rig Equipment Inspections

Due to manufacturing shortages and long lead times on new equipment during the current climate, we continue to carry out BOP and drilling equipment surveys in many parts of the world on both new and existing assets. Personnel in some of these areas have limited knowledge through lack of experience with the latest procedures. This has led us to find serious shortcomings in testing equipment standards and correct procedures which we are working with our clients to rectify.

We have developed new methods of acceptance testing with the manufacturing companies in many examples. This meant that they would take responsibility to pre-commission their equipment before our engineers carried out the acceptance work. This new way of working has meant we have then saved our client, the Operator, both time and money during the acceptance program. We do not carry out commissioning for the rig owners and managers as we see this as a conflict of interest. Our main clients are the oil and gas operators rather than the drilling contractors, and we feel it is impossible for a third party Inspection Company to represent both the rig owner and the oil company at the same time.

The North Sea for a number of clients remains steady, however as the rigs are being signed up for longer period, we are finding this market less dynamic. This will however lead to more “in service” surveys as operators demonstrate they are managing their contracts.

Safety Inspections

Dropped Object surveys, as well as full safety inspections (including whip line, pinch point, trip hazard etc) have been carried out on North Sea platforms and overseas recently. We have also added real value to these inspections by preparing the management system and picture book for the drilling facility on these projects.

Expanding on our experience, we have also added inspections on hydraulic work-over units and snubbing rigs as well as continuing working with drill ships in West Africa to identify areas for dropped objects and primary retention improvements. As the leading dropped object survey company we have been fully committed to carrying out derrick, substructure and crane surveys both in the UK and Norway. We maintain our standard of providing only qualified engineers with extensive drilling rig experience.

Through our Engineers, the potential for DROPS is continually being reduced and the platform managers are witnessing a defined advantage with our work with improved safety returns.

Engineering Studies

Our recent engineering studies have included the assessment of two platform rigs and one land rig for new and challenging extended reach wells. One particular study on the performance of mud tanks and the comparison of rectangular versus round tanks is very interesting currently; with drilling fluids at a premium any improvement in the maintenance of the drilling fluids should be encouraged. If you require more information, please get in touch with the following email address: info@adc-engineering.com

Risk Management

We are building up our reputation as facilitators for DWOP and CWOP where we also manage the outcome and mitigation process. We have developed a bespoke piece of software called “Risk-elimin8” to facilitate, manage and report on the DWOPS and CWOPS. This has been carried out on behalf of a number of our clients and is a service we will strive to streamline as well as build on through 2008.

Asset Integrity Assurance

Through our integrity assurance work we have been busy in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Numerous projects have also been carried out by our engineers in the Middle East, USA, Italy and Holland to inspect equipment to ensure it is "fit for purpose".

Aberdeen Drilling Consultants in the Community

Over the last few weeks we have been involved in making a large donation to the Scottish Charity “Children 1st” in lieu of sending out Christmas Cards. Our donation of £600 along with sponsoring a table at the famous Aberdeen “Snow Ball” was well received and we hope it goes some way to helping those children and families that need the help most.

In addition to this we became the sponsor and provided the training kits for a local Aberdeen amateur football side Blackburn AFC. Blackburn play in the Aberdeenshire Amateur Division 1 North League. Company Managing Director Mr Douglas Hay is pictured left with Blackburn’s Team Manager Gavin England.  We wish Blackburn and all the players, staff and everyone else involved a very successful season ahead.