MND drilling rigs conquer Europe
Foreign projects are a strategic pillar for MND Drilling & Services. They bring stable utilization of our rigs, long-term contracts and strengthen our position on the European market. They allow us to invest in upgrading technology, developing people and raising safety standards. And most importantly, we are proving that we can succeed in strong international competition and are among Europe's leading drilling contractors.
Most of our rigs and crews associated with them are abroad this year. Also for next year, the programme is mainly focused on orders outside the Czech Republic.
Bentec 250 - return to KEM ONE
In the first week of September, the BT 250 rig launched a new campaign in France for KEM ONE, one of Europe's largest PVC manufacturers. The project involves four wells (two doublets) in the Vauvert area and is key for the customer as it secures brine, the raw material for PVC production for the next few years. KEM ONE chose us again after an excellent experience in the previous campaign, which is a great reward for us. Our ability to maintain high standards of safety, quality and reliability, as well as our flexibility in planning, played a major role in the customer's decision.
MND Germany - Rig 40 - Bavaria and France
Another great success story also comes from France, where we were able to win a long-term contract with STORENGY. This project provides for workover repairs of probes and guarantees approximately 200 working days per year. The contract is set for two years fixed with an option to extend up to five years. Start-up is scheduled for spring 2026, but preparations are already underway to begin work. The Rig 40 rig, which will carry out the project with the MND Germany crew, is currently completing a technical break. During this time, we carried out a major upgrade of the VFD system, which was already outdated and did not meet modern requirements. The new system will bring higher reliability, more precise drive control and energy savings. Once these upgrades are completed, Rig 40 will head to Bavaria in the second half of September to work on the repair of a deep geothermal borehole at Lake Chiemsee, specifically in the town of Bad Endorf. This project has been in the planning for several years and is crucial to the operation of the Chiemgau Thermen spa and the local Simssee clinic. The rig and crew will be working here until Christmas this year.
Bentec 350 ends in Hungary and heads for geothermal power plant in Slovakia
Significant successes were also recorded in Hungary. The Bentec 350 completed a challenging project for JKX/FP Energia. After cancelling a planned well in the Netherlands, we were able to move the rig from Germany to the TIV-10 site, which was still under construction, in just 25 days. We completed the first well at a depth of 3,405 metres in 89 days despite the change of plans. The second well, TIV-12, is on track for completion in 62 days versus the original plan of 74 days. We were able to move between wells in 13 days, confirming our ability to manage logistics efficiently. Once this project is completed, the team will move to eastern Slovakia where we will face another challenging but exciting challenge - the Geotherm Košice project - three geothermal wells that will keep the crew and rig busy until the middle of next year.
Bentec 450 continues in Hungary
Our heaviest rig, the BT450, is now in southern Hungary continuing a long-term project for HHE - Aspect Energy. Although the permitting processes cause delays between wells, the project is technically and economically successful and negotiations are underway to extend it. However, the rig is also in high demand in other countries and is being actively tendered across the EU.
MD 80 - success in P&A
Then in Germany, our smallest rig abroad, the MD 80, is working on the first phase of a campaign to dispose of old wells as part of a long-term project for Neptune Energy that will last four to five years and involve dozens of probes.
This programme will strengthen our position in the German market and bring stable workloads for several years to come.
We place a strong emphasis on safety and quality on all projects. We adhere to strict standards and carry out regular inspections and training. We pay special attention to projects in sensitive locations, such as the spa resort of Bad Endorf or tourist areas in France, where noise and traffic congestion must be minimised.
These successes are not accidental. They are the result of the hard work of our crews, technicians and support teams in Lausitz. Thanks to all of you, we maintain a high standard of safety, quality and reliability and have a very good prospect for next year.
MND Drilling and Services Sales Department
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