Faced with an energy supply deficit due to the rapid decline of traditional fossil fuel sources and the rapid, but not fast enough, growth of renewable energy sources, Huisman has come up with a solution. The company’s harsh environment semi-submersible drilling rig aims to make fossil fuel extraction as sustainable as possible as we transition to renewable energy.
Huisman works on the energy transition by developing numerous solutions for the recovery of renewable energies. This includes those from offshore and onshore wind as well as geothermal energy. However, to ensure energy security during the transition, the company continues to develop increasingly sustainable solutions for conventional energy production.
This approach is reinforced by the current geopolitical situations which threaten traditional energy sectors. To ensure reliable access to energy at this time, Europe is forced to consider a range of alternative sources. This includes the potential for wider use of North Sea gas reserves – ‘local’ offshore production offers the lowest carbon footprint compared to other fossil fuel options such as LNG and coal, while ensuring energy security.
Huisman believes, however, that even this carbon footprint can be reduced. It has therefore developed a harsh environment semi-submersible drilling rig that will significantly reduce emissions.
The philosophy behind the platform is one of holistic optimal efficiency. As a result, the harsh environment semi-submersible drilling rig offers both a significant reduction in cost and emissions.
Examples of the rig’s efficiency include a low-drag electrified robotic drilling system that provides consistent operating speed, as well as a unique heave-compensated drilling floor capable of operating in rough seas. This results in increased productivity and platform availability. Together with the rig’s sustainability-focused hybrid power system, including energy storage systems storing regenerated energy, this ensures that emissions can be reduced by 30-40% per well.
A 40% reduction in personnel on board and a large functional deck space contribute to this reduction in emissions.
Ideally, the rig is powered by onshore-generated hydroelectricity, via a power cable from a nearby rig. Alternatively, it can be powered by two floating wind turbines, moored next to the platform. These two radical but realistic solutions offer extremely low emissions per well. With the inclusion of wind turbines, the reduction in emissions can be increased by up to 86%.
Dieter Wijning, Huisman Product Manager: “It is clear that we need an intermediate solution as we make the transition to renewable energies. And that, if Europe is to have a reliable source of energy for the time being, it will go through the consumption of oil and gas. We believe it is important that this exploitation of fossil fuel reserves is done in the most efficient and clean way possible. Our vision is to drive the growth of renewable energy while making the extraction of fossil fuels more sustainable.
Jan Atle Andresen, Regional Manager of Huisman Norge: “The increased efficiency offered by the harsh environment semi-submersible drilling rig delivers cost savings of 25% per well. The biggest gain here, however, is that the added efficiency also facilitates a significant reduction in emissions – up to 86% per well.
Features and Benefits of Huisman Harsh Environment Semi-Submersible Drilling Rig:
• High efficiency robotic drilling system
• Unique lift-compensated drill floor
• Fully autonomous handling of the bridge
• Hybrid power system with external connection
• 40% fewer people on board
• 25% reduction in cost per well
• Up to 86% lower emissions per well
Source: Huisman Equipment B.V.