MODU demand increases in UAE
Posted: 10 September 2007
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The demand for mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) machinery systems has increased with the Middle East becoming a new building center for offshore structures, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Middle East recently said.
ABS Middle East, who recently conducted a seminar for rig owners, yard engineers and designers highlighting MODU, the demand for deep well drilling combined with attrition from an ageing rig fleet of are two factors driving new orders. About half of these rig fleet are older than 25 years.
Southern District Manager Joe Brincat said the rapid pace of orders continues as jackup demand continues at an all time high.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has focused on adding new construction to its traditional repair activities with jackup drilling units leading the way. The majority of these units are building to ABS class in various yards such as the MIS Sharjah yard.
More than 120 attendees attended a two-day technical seminar. discussed jacking gear systems, mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) machinery, systems and structural fire protection as well as the ABS Eagle Engineering Plan Review Module which allows for real-time electronic plan review of drawings.
More than 76 percent of the worldwide jackup fleet is classed to ABS standards. In the Middle East ABS is responding to yards by locating experienced offshore rig surveyors to the area. The number of ABS surveyors in the UAE has increased to 32 and is expected to reach 40 by the year’s end. |
