Enhanced Rig Commissioning Efficiency

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Authors: Hamad Adnan Hassan Al-Kandari, Vettath Brelvi Prasanth, Donald Lakeith Melancon
Cited by: 0

Abstract

In the past, newly contracted rigs were commissioned by different operational controlling teams or groups within the company. This often resulted in misunderstandings regarding contractual requirements, as well as inconsistencies in the methods used for testing and equipment validation. Such issues caused delays in rig acceptance, leading to production losses for the Company and liquidated damages for the rig contractor for failing to spud the rig on the agreed-upon contractual commencement date. To address these challenges, the Drilling & Workover Contract Support Team under the Drilling and Workover Engineering Group launched a pilot project to standardize the rig commissioning process. The objective was to establish a unified inspection process and ensure consistency across all rig contractors and Company's stakeholders. This approach aims to ensure that rigs are "fit-for-purpose," reducing non-productive time (NPT) and minimizing health, safety, and environmental (HSE) incidents, all while meeting contractual requirements and spudding the rig within the specified timeframe. The newly developed system introduces a consistent process for verifying equipment, validating certificates, and testing equipment to ensure compliance with contract specifications. The scope of the project includes verifying, inspecting, and testing contract appendix B equipment, as well as reviewing and accepting technical documentation and certifications. Ultimately, this project seeks to gather insights that will improve the efficiency, safety, and overall success of future rig commissioning efforts.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Drilling and Well Engineering Construction Project Management and Performance Management and Optimization Techniques

Publication details

Publication date
3 February 2026