Awilco newbuild to run on Rolls-Royce engines and thrusters

Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine has signed a contract to deliver five engines and four large UUC thrusters for an Awilco Drilling newbuild rig.

Rolls-Royce said on Thursday that the deliveries from the company consisted of five B33:45L8A diesel engines and four UUC high torque thrusters (3,800 kW).

The scope of supply includes the five main generator sets – fully classed as emergency generators, generators from Rolls-Royce, an SCR system including a heat recovery system air intake silencer and filter system.

The newly developed UUC 355 HT thruster gives a high thrust with a low power input on the thruster. These thrusters, in combination with the efficient Bergen diesel engines, deliver low fuel consumption, low emissions, and an optimized electrical load balance on the rig.

Claus Mørch, project director, Awilco Drilling, said: “This will be the most environmentally friendly drilling rig offered in the harsh environment market, and the first rig on the Norwegian continental shelf that answers to the Tier 3 requirements.”

Ottar Ristesund, SVP of sales and marine at Rolls-Royce, added: “[…] we are very pleased to be selected by Awilco Drilling and Keppel Fels as a supplier for the complete machinery package for this innovative newbuilding. After several years without any newbuilding of offshore drilling rigs, this contract is a demonstration of optimism among the rig operators.”

Kongsberg order

Earlier this week, Kongsberg Maritime announced it won a contract to deliver systems for the new Awilco newbuild valued at $18 million.

The Kongsberg technology delivery among others includes dynamic positioning, automation, safety, thruster control, and navigation systems.

Also, real-time data support will be provided by the Kongsberg Information Management System (K-IMS). Kongsberg will also provide a complete electro package including a hybrid electric power system with advanced battery technology.

It is worth mentioning that Kongsberg announced it would be buying Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine for half a billion British pounds, or $641.8 million at the current exchange rate, back in early July.

The rig

The new rig, ordered by UK-based drilling contractor Awilco Drilling, was designed for harsh environment use. It will be equipped and certified for drilling on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including the Barents Sea, in water depths up to 5,000 feet. The rig of the Moss CS 60 Eco MW design is scheduled for delivery from Keppel Fels in 2021.

To remind, Awilco announced in February 2018 that it was looking to expand its fleet with a newbuild rig. The rig will be built by KeppelFELS in Singapore at a price of approximately $425 million.

Following a letter of intent in February, Keppel FELS secured a contract from Awilco the following month. Also, in March, MHWirth was selected by Awilco for the delivery of the drilling equipment package, with options for further three packages.

Offshore Energy Today Staff