GustoMSC: LJ43 design selected by IMI and ARO Drilling

Kelly McHenry, CEO of ARO Drilling, stated “We are very excited about the potential for these rigs given our expectation for continued oil and gas growth and development in the Kingdom and with Saudi Aramco. The LJ43 enables highly efficient drilling through new technology, including the X-Y cantilever which has a new innovative blowout preventer handling system and enhanced skidding capabilities.”

The LJ43 design has been developed by Lamprell and GustoMSC, with a view to meeting ARO Drilling’s specific operational needs and drilling requirements for use in the Gulf region. This collaboration on the LJ43 drilling jack-up design leads into a combination of the robust and advanced technology of GustoMSC designs, as well as Lamprell’s system integration capability, detailed engineering expertise and construction experience. “We are excited to team up again with Lamprell in jointly developing the LJ43 and further strengthen our great working relation which started more than a decade ago. At the same time we are honoured and grateful that the ARO Drilling expert team took the effort to evaluate our innovative solutions with a very open mind. That gave us all the opportunity to exchange ideas and to develop the optimal solution for ARO Drilling’s mission, which will provide a strong contribution to implementing the Saudi Vision 2030”.

Christopher McDonald, CEO Lamprell, adds: “We have a long-established collaboration with GustoMSC, one of the world’s leading rig design houses, and this continues with the exclusive development of a proprietary design for jack-up rigs combining state of the art technology with optimised construction techniques. In combination with our strategic investment into the IMI joint venture, this design strengthens our competitive position in our core rig market.”

GustoMSC is responsible for delivering the LJ43 basic design which is a further development of the well-established CJ46 and CJ50 drilling jack-up series. It features field proven GustoMSC sturdy X-bracing leg design, jacking systems as well as enhanced skidding capabilities via the X-Y cantilever system. The high capacity cantilever accommodates a new innovative BOP handling system, increasing uptime significantly. The LJ43 design is targeting the highest level of safe, efficient and reliable drilling in the Middle East region.

ARO Drilling has announced plans to order at least 20 drilling jack-up rigs for construction at the new IMI yard in Saudi Arabia. It is anticipated that engineering, procurement and construction of the first rigs will begin in the course of 2018.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/28032018/gustomsc-lj43-design-selected-by-imi-and-aro-drilling/