Equipment

ETS CHRIS TRADING AND DRILLING PLC equipment image of oil rig workers

We are solutions-driven. We deliver the full pyramid of services for cost-efficient project delivery to achieve the economies of scale our clients demand.

We offer all oilfield services for offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production drilling, and specializing in the ultra-deepwater and harsh-environment segment of the offshore drilling industry:

  • Offshore ultra deepwater drilling units
  • Ultra deepwater semisubmersible drilling rigs
  • Ultra deepwater drillships

We deliver high quality drilling operations in hydrocarbon basins around the region:

  • Jack-up rigs capable of drilling to a maximum well depth of 35,000 feet while operating in water depths ranging from 30 to 400 feet

We offer unparalleled vessels and vessel support solutions across the lifecycle of oil & gas projects in the region:

  • Anchor handling towing supply vessels
  • Platform supply vessels ranging (190 feet to 250 feet +)
  • Fast support vessels
  • Standby safety vessels
  • Towing supply vessels
  • Specialty vessels include anchor handling tugs
  • Liftboat vessels

ETS CHRIS TRADING AND DRILLING PLC Drilling Rig Types

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Different types of platforms and other facilities are available for offshore exploration and production, selected according to the depth conditions. During the exploratory phase, one of several types of mobile drilling platforms is used. In shallower waters, drilling barges, submersible rigs or jack-up rig platforms – which are on a solid three or four-legged frame that can be jacked where necessary – are typically deployed. Semi-submersible platforms have a hull that floats but is still of sufficient weight to remain upright; they are stable enough for use in rough seas. For depths greater than this, a variety of floating and subsea facilities are used. The most advanced drillships, can reach up to 3048 metres in deep and ultradeep waters, with a drill pipe mounted at the centre of the ship.

Once the potential of a field has been appraised, a more permanent production platform will be built and towed to the site. Offshore platforms can be in place for decades and often need to withstand hostile conditions, meaning that they are extremely expensive to build. A range of platforms is available for different water depths, each of which is fixed to the ocean floor using increasingly sophisticated mechanisms. The most basic fixed platform is mounted on an underwater structure of concrete and steel that is stabilised by its weight, while for deeper water, semi-submersible and floating platforms are used, moored to the seabed with anchors or tension cables.

ETS CHRIS TRADING AND DRILLING PLC jackups

Jack-ups: The most commonly employed type of offshore drilling rig. Jack-ups have a barge section that floats on the water (and holds the drilling equipment) and multiple legs (typically three, but sometimes more) that extend down to the sea floor. Jack-ups are typically towed to the drilling site and, upon arrival; the legs are attached to the sea floor. Such rigs are generally used in relatively shallow water – up to around 400 feet of water. Most jack-ups drill down through holes in the platform, but cantilevered jack-ups drill over the side of the barge.

ETS CHRIS TRADING AND DRILLING PLC semi-submersible

Semisubmersibles: These float on submerged pontoons and have an operating deck that is well above the surface. Below the surface are anchors and umbilicals that essentially tie the rig in place, though some do have powered systems that can help keep the rig on target.

With succeeding generations, the capacity of these rigs has increased, and the most modern generation of semi-submersibles can operate in up to 3,048 metres of water depth.

ETS CHRIS TRADING AND DRILLING PLC drillship

Drillships: These are often used in locations with very deep water. Like semi-submersibles, drillships typically have an operating limit of 3,048 metres of water depth.

Drillships resemble large boats, with drilling taking place through a hole in the hull called a moon pool. Such ships are independent and self-powered. While not as stable as semisubmersibles, drillships are mobile and can support extensive equipment.

ETS CHRIS TRADING AND DRILLING PLC barge

Drilling barges: These tend to be employed for shallow drilling in non-ocean waters. Tugboats tow the platform out to the site, where anchors hold it in place. Drilling barges are suitable for calm waters.