One harsh-environment semi-submersible was fitted with the ADC system two years ago.

Transocean Ltd. reported Monday that it has entered into an agreement with customer Equinor ASA to license and install Automated Drilling Control (ADC) systems on four high-specification, harsh environment rigs currently on contract in Norway.

In addition, the drilling contractor stated that the deal applies to a fifth semi-submersible set to commence operations in the Norwegian Sea this summer.

“The ADC upgrades advance our automation efforts and further enhance our industry-leading fleet of high-specification, harsh environment semi-submersibles,” Transocean President and CEO Jeremy Thigpen said in a written statement emailed to Rigzone. “We are delighted to work alongside Equinor and our suppliers as we continue to identify and realize opportunities to deliver safer, higher quality and lower cost wells for our customers.”

Noting that the Transocean Enabler harsh-environment semi-submersible was fitted with the ADC system in 2017, Transocean stated that a total of six of its floaters will boast drilling automation capabilities. In addition to the Transocean Enabler, floaters in the company’s fleet with the ADC upgrades will include:

• Transocean Spitsbergen
• Transocean Norge
• Transocean Encourage
• Transocean Equinox
• Transocean Endurance

The ADC systems incorporate technologies from MHWirth, NOV and Sekal AS, Transocean noted. The firm added that ADC system benefits include higher penetration rates while drilling, highly stable bottom hole pressures avoiding swab/surge effects and early kick/loss event detection.