Rig design and construction for H&P to drill in PDO
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LocationSultanate of Oman
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CustomerH&P for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) Contract
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Time Scale2022 – 2025
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DetailsNewbuild Automated Land Rigs
Project overview
Driving drilling performance through automation
Over a three-year period, we designed and constructed four new automated land rigs for H&P for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) contract, combining advanced mechanisation, digital controls and intelligent drilling software to achieve higher performance, improved consistency and enhanced safety.
This project, fulfilled a 10-year drilling operations contract with parent company H&P, representing a significant step forward in drilling automation within the Middle East, establishing a technical benchmark for precision and operational efficiency in challenging desert environments.
Technical overview
Each 1250hp fast-moving rig was designed for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations, integrating the latest generation of digital control, automation, and rig mobility technology.
- Automation and Control Systems
- Central operating system for automation of key rig functions
- Cyber drilling chair (Synapse) enabling full control and monitoring from a centralised interface
- Bespoke software enhancing remote operation and data connectivity
- Digital workflow integration supporting performance consistency and predictive maintenance
- Automated pipe handling with ground-level operation
- Remotely operated Iron Roughneck for torque control and reduced manual exposure
- Hydraulic mast and top drive locking system
- Mechanised catwalk for tubular handling
- In-house manufactured Top Drive, built to PDO specifications
- Trailer-mounted system for high-speed, safe rig moves between well locations
Compliance and standards
- API Compliance: Manufactured in an API 4F and API Q1 licensed facility
- ISO Certifications: H&P operations adhere to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety)
- Regulatory Alignment: Fully compliant with PDO’s HSE and operational specifications
Transforming drilling operations with smart technology. Download our 1250HP Mobile Rig brochure
Performance objectives
The rigs are engineered to deliver measurable operational improvements:
- Target: 25% reduction in flat time
- Approach: Automated handling systems, centralised control, and mechanised operations to minimise manual intervention
- Outcome: Enhanced drilling efficiency, reduced exposure to high-risk activities, and improved consistency in repetitive tasks
Targeted reduction in flat times, enabling rigs to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable drilling operations for PDO, improve performance, and realise full electric grid capability.
Safety and reliability
Safety and system reliability are core to the design philosophy:
- Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTI) during construction to date
- More than 936,500 safe manhours achieved at our Nizwa facility
- Automation and mechanisation reduce personnel exposure to hazardous zones and manual handling
Digital monitoring supports predictive maintenance and operational uptime.
Local delivery
The project delivered significant advantages to the local workforce and economy:
- Local facility in Nizwa established as Oman’s first API-licensed rig manufacturing facility
- Around 40% of project investment subcontracted to Omani suppliers
- 92% Omanisation within the workforce locally
- Training and internship programmes in partnership with Omani universities
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