Promet Completes Two Rig-upgrading in Record Time

Promet Pte Ltd (PPL), a leading marine contracting and civil engineering group, has just completed a rig-upgrading project 10 days ahead of schedule.

The cantilevered, self-elevating jack-up rig, called the Harvey H Ward, owned by Reading & Bates Drilling Company, has left the Promet Shipyard for the Bass Strait in Australia for oil exploration and drilling works under a contract for Esso.

Upgrading works on the rig which included the application of a corrosion protection system for the rig, renewal of the hull platings, repair of spudcans, and the fabrication and installation of lifeboats for quick evacuation during emergencies. The upgrading project began in September.

The work included procurement of items requiring long delivery lead times which Promet managed to accelerate through its excellent procurement capabilities.

Promet's project manager for the upgrading job said, "Promet takes its deadline commitments very seriously, and will do everything in our power to make sure our projects are completed on time."

Mr John Campbell, senior project manager for Reading & Bates commended Promet's efforts, noted, "It was the dedication and attitude of the project team that set the momentum and motivation, and made the project a total success."

In another rig-upgrading project, PPL has completed its second job in four months on the D R Stewart oil rig to conform with International Maritime Organisation safety standards.

PPL carried out the upgrading works on the rig's instrumentation system, the addition of safety features to the heliport, and repairs to its cantilevered skidding system.

In addition, PPL extended the rig's derrick in order that a new top-drive mechanism could be accommodated. PPL also built a new raw water tower for the rig's water- making system, and replaced the saltwater piping system.

In keeping with Promet's strong track record with the various shipping authorities, the rig was subsequently passed as being seaworthy, and meeting all international safety and quality requirements, by the American Bureau of Shipping's Asia-Pacific division, and the US Coast Guard.

The multinational Promet Group is a leading infrastructure development concern, with substantial interests in civil engineering and construction, marine contracting and steel engineering, property development and investment as well as project development. The Group's holding company, Prom et Berhad, is based in Malaysia, and is listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange.