Annual non-productive time costs on a high-tech platform in the Gulf of Mexico can exceed $120 million and $24 million of that is due to drilling control system failures, according to a survey by major drilling contractors and operators.
Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- Annual non-productive time costs on a high-tech platform in the Gulf of Mexico can exceed $120 million and $24 million of that is due to drilling control system failures, according to a survey by major drilling contractors and operators.
Athens Group CTO Don Shafer reports that NPT is rising because: 1. Today's rigs have complex, software-dependent control systems from multiple vendors 2. Safety rules have not kept pace with this software proliferation 3. Vendors cannot hire sufficient personnel with related experience to see that the new systems and equipment integrate with other equipment and systems 4. Demand for rigs has exceeded supply in recent years, pushing platform production 5. Yards are adopting builder furnished equipment policies which reduce the operators' and contractors' control over the asset.
