RIG & BARGE WORLD
Secondly , the use of renewable energy systems gives long-term savings through reduced fuel consumption , thus cutting down on operating costs . Required maintenance with renewable energy systems is typically less than that required with diesel generators , thus lowering the overall operational costs .
Valaris has deployed completely automated drilling systems - including digital twin technologies that monitor energy use and predict equipment maintenance - leading to improved operational efficiency of 25 % and reduced downtime . The North Sea jack-up rigs of Equinor incorporated rig-based carbon capture and storage ( CCS ) systems , which captured and stored more than 1 million tons of CO₂ . Seadrill converted several rigs to run on LNG , cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 30 % compared to diesel rigs .
Thirdly , renewable energy integration provides a greater level of energy independence and energy security , as going in for renewables means decreased reliance on external sources of fuel and resultant predictability in operational stability for the offshore operators .
Lastly , the adoption of renewable energy technologies can enhance jack-up rig operators ’ standing as providers that are environmentally responsible and allow them to operate in line with stringent environmental regulations laid down by international bodies , including the International Maritime Organization ( IMO ). Renewable energy value chain transactions enhance the operational efficiency of the operations within a given period .
Companies are leading the way in promoting sustainable practices , setting industry benchmarks in 2024 . This shift is a significant step in the oil and gas industry ’ s transition towards sustainability .
Jack-up rigs are coming under increasing pressure to optimize for energy efficiency to lessen their carbon footprints . Companies are therefore utilizing hybrid power systems , waste heat recovery , and advanced materials to optimize energy consumption . Hybrid power systems combine traditional diesel engines with renewable energy sources , together with battery storage , to reduce dependency on fuel as well as emissions .
Seatrium ( formerly known as Keppel Offshore & Marine ) has hybrid-rig solutions with energy storage systems , resulting in a reduction of fuel consumption by 15 % and CO₂ emissions by 20 %. Noble Corporation has installed a heat recovery system to run auxiliary equipment , thus cutting both operational costs and firmly embedding FIT into its business . Lightweight rig designs by Borr Drilling use advanced composite materials that allow reduced weight while maintaining enough structural integrity . This brought down 12 % of energy consumed per operation . This showcases the potential innovations jack-up rigs are proving for operational sustainability .
Sustainability in Practice : Case Studies
1 . Maersk Drilling : Low-Emission Rigs : Maersk integrated hybrid power systems and digital monitoring into its flagship , the Maersk Intrepid . Maersk Drilling is currently leading initiatives aimed at the reduction of offshore drilling ’ s environmental impact through the development of low-emission rigs . These commitments demonstrate the company ’ s devotion to sustainability by also focusing on their carbon footprint reduction in offshore operations . In 2024 , Maersk Drilling is pushing forward its other fleet with the assistance of innovative technologies aimed at decreasing emissions , enhancing energy efficiency , and supporting cleaner energy alternatives .
The company has achieved 25 % reductions in emissions enhanced by automation increasing safety , with real-time analytic data helping to improve operational efficiency .
Maersk Drilling is adopting a low-emission strategy by utilizing hybrid power systems that merge traditional power generation with energy storage technologies . This approach helps to lower fuel consumption and emissions by dynamically adjusting the energy mix . Additionally , battery energy storage is being employed to capture energy produced by conventional power sources , which lessens the reliance on continuous high-emission power generation . The company is also integrating cleaner fuels like LNG into its jack-up rigs , which helps to cut emissions and maintain environmental compliance .
The low-emission rigs are engineered for maximum energy efficiency , featuring energy management systems that constantly monitor consumption and optimize power distribution . Operational processes are refined to reduce energy usage . Some rigs are equipped with Carbon Capture and Storage capabilities to capture CO₂ emissions produced during drilling activities .
Maersk Drilling is also retrofitting its existing rigs to boost their energy efficiency and minimize emissions . These upgrades involve mod-
www . rigsbargeworld . com | January-February 2025 | 3