MWS: Rig Moving

Access world-leading consultancy in offshore rig moving procedures with ABL Group. The movement and relocation of offshore rigs is a recurring and regular feature of offshore energy exploration, field development and operations that requires specialist help. That’s why we offer a broad range of services, including marine warranty surveys, to ensure the safe, efficient, economically viable execution of these regular offshore marine operations. 

Receive comprehensive through-life support for rig moving procedures for jack-up rigs, mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and all other types of rigs. Our MWS teams are supported by significant in-house engineering & design capabilities specialising in rig moving operations, including in-house geotechnical engineering support. 

Avoid delays & mitigate risks early on

With over 40 years of experience, we provide accurate planning and mitigate risks as we support you on all types of rig moves. We understand that each rig move has its own characteristics, risks and challenges. Rig moves can range from short-duration “in-field” operations to relocation on bespoke heavy lift vessels or by long ocean towage. However, they may differ. All rig moves involve considerable expenditure, and we understand the cost of delays to the schedule.

Marine warranty surveys for rig moving

Demonstrate to stakeholders that you have taken all measures to minimise risk and that you are committed to ensuring the safety of assets, crew, and the environment.

What you will receive:

• Approval of third-party or in-house tow masters 
• MWS suitability inspections and approval of supporting vessels
• MWS site attendance for rig moves – in accordance with JRC guidelines
• Review and approval of intended rig locations and rig move procedures – both semi-subs and jack-ups
• Engineering review of technical documentation, e.g. mooring analysis, leg penetration analysis (LPA), SSA, sea-fastening, leg bending and cribbing for dry transports

Mobile Offshore Units (MOU) engineering consultancy

Ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of MOUs throughout their lifecycle. We have specialised knowledge and experience to provide services such as feasibility studies, conceptual and detailed design, risk assessment and more.

What you will receive: 

• Jack-up Site-Specific Assessment
• New Unit Design inc. wind turbine installation vessel design
• Conversion engineering of drilling unit to MOPU or accommodation unit
• Jack-up going on location time domain studies (limiting installation weather criteria)

Marine and engineering consultancy services for rig moving

Receive technical expertise and support to ensure that a drilling rig or other mobile offshore units (MOU) are safely and efficiently relocated from one location to another.

What you will receive:

• Risk assessments
• Site-specific assessments to SNAME or ISO19905
• Offshore vessel/tug suitability and condition surveys
• Gap analysis, e.g. ERRV requirements when moving from the UK to Norway
• Production and/or review of marine procedures in line with the latest industry guidance
• Planning and /or supervision of rig move operations as tow master or company representative 
• All aspects of towage planning, including procedure development, tow resistance calculations, stability and motion response analysis and tow vessel surveys
• Production of technical analyses and studies, including mooring analysis, jack-up rig footing penetration/punch-through analysis, dry transport engineering, environmental or metocean studies and rig feasibility studies