We have upgraded the Bentec 350 - increasing the lifting capacity to 418 tonnes
Our company is pleased to announce a major modification to the Bentec 350, which will increase its lifting capacity from the original 350 to 418 tonnes. This move will allow us to better respond to the growing demand for heavy rigs that has arisen not only in the Oil and Gas sector, but also in the deep geothermal drilling sector.
Deep geothermal drilling is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Traditionally, they are found in countries such as Iceland, Italy, Greece and the Azores, where conditions are favourable for the exploitation of geothermal energy. Nowadays, however, thanks to new technologies and the development of alternative energy sources, demand is also growing in other European countries such as Germany, France and Slovakia. However, Vermilion, which requested this modification to our rig, is primarily focused on oil and gas projects throughout Europe.
The payload modification will be carried out at the rig manufacturer in Bad Bentheim, Germany, and this challenging process will be mostly funded by Vermilion, which will use the modified rig on its very first well, the Weissenmoor South Z1 in northwest Germany. This well is very complex, the rig will move in as soon as the technical modifications are completed in October this year and the lead time is four to five months.
Modifications to the Bentec 350 rig include static calculations for new hook loads, fabrication of a new hoist and crown block with a larger load capacity, and procurement of a new service rope with a larger load capacity. In addition, modifications to the mast will be required, including welding of the stiffeners and modification of the pin connections, as well as modifications to the cellars, where the stiffeners will be welded and the connections between the boxes and the mast will be modified. The electrical modifications will be adapted to the new requirements and any changes will be documented. Finally, the rig will be newly type-approved by the LBEG (Landesamt für Bergbau, Energie und Geologie) with a lifting capacity of 418 tonnes.
We have also drilled for Vermilion in Croatia, for example, and are preparing joint projects in the Netherlands, Slovakia and France.
This upgrade is another step in our efforts to provide quality service and technology to our customers. We look forward to the new opportunities this upgrade will bring and to further successful projects for this rig, not only with Vermilion.
MND Drilling and Services Sales Department
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