New rig designs and floor equipment improve safety and performance

RUSSELL WRIGHT, Contributing Editor

If one thought there isn’t anything new that drilling rig and equipment designers and manufacturers could bring to the industry, it’s time to think again. Equipment manufacturers and drilling contractors continue to develop new or enhanced rig designs and rig equipment to emphasize safety and environmental responsibility. Squeezing out the last percentage increase in performance and efficiency also continues as an industry goal. New or improved pipe handling systems and equipment that provide increased safety by reducing the size of rig crews on the rig floor are continually being offered by manufacturing companies

Land and offshore rig contractors are striving to increase mobility through automation, flexible design and specialization, when necessary, to meet harsh environmental conditions. In addition to several newbuilds, some promising new rig systems are being proposed or already being tested.

Here’s a sampling of what’s new, or in development during the past year.