IKM Cleandrill scoops Absheron mud recovery deal

IKM Cleandrill, a specialist mud recovery subsidiary of the IKM Group, has been awarded a contract for riserless mud circulating system services in the Caspian Sea by French oil major Total.

IKM said on Monday that the contract was awarded by Total E&P Absheron BV on behalf of Joined Operating Company for Absheron Project or JOCAP in short which is a 50-50 joint venture between Azerbaijan’s state-owned company SOCAR and Total.

According to the company, IKM Cleadrill will begin operations in early 2018, in what will be its first offshore operation in the Caspian Sea.

The contract will include the installation of IKM’s MRR500 mud recovery system onto a new semi-submersible drill rig, and provision of subsea drilling fluid pumping services as part of Absheron project’s drilling campaign in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

“The project is technically challenging, with deep water, high mud weights, and potentially harsh environmental conditions. IKM is upgrading their standard MRR 500 system with increased pumping power to meet this requirement. The new MRR500 XL system will provide the Absheron project with the latest generation high-power mud recovery technology,” said IKM.

Tom Hasler, managing director, added: “This contract’s award represents a significant win for IKM Cleandrill. Total undertook a detailed evaluation of the MRR 500 XL system as part of the bidding process, and our technical department has once again reset the benchmark for mud recovery technology to meet their requirements.

“Moving into the Caspian region is strategically important for the company and consolidates our position as the leading global mud recovery provider. We look forward to providing excellent service for Absheron project.”

The project itself involves the drilling of one well at a water depth of 450 meters. Production from this high pressure field will be around 35 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day, including a significant portion of condensate. The produced gas will supply Azerbaijan’s domestic market. The first phase of production will also enable a dynamic appraisal of the field for future phases.