OTC 2016: Forum Energy Technologies, OTD to develop hydraulic catwalk

Offshore staff

HOUSTON – Forum Energy Technologies Inc. has aligned with Offshore Technology Development (OTD), a subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd., to provide hydraulic catwalk technology for offshore rigs. The partnership offers operators jackup rig fitted with a catwalk to move drill pipe and completion tubulars from the pipe storage area up to the drill floor.

The companies said this special-model, automated system requires no physical connection with the drill floor module and moves transversely independent of the drilling module when repositioning port/starboard. This can reduce safety risks for the drilling crew and improve drilling efficiency.

The new solution is optimized for the KFELS B class and Super B class jackup rigs, and the new catwalk technology can be easily retrofitted on an existing rig.

Cris Gaut, chairman and CEO of Forum Energy Technologies, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with OTD, a company known for their rig-designing knowledge and state-of-the-art manufacturing yards. This allows us to deliver an innovative solution specifically designed for KFEL’s best in class jackup rigs, which helps make these rigs the most efficient in the world. The OTD/Forum catwalk also offers the widest range of pipe handling capabilities, faster cycle times, and improved safety by reducing manpower requirements.”

Wong Kok Seng, managing director (Offshore) of Keppel Offshore & Marine, commented: “This partnership with Forum enables us to further enhance pipe handling capabilities on Keppel rigs and reinforces our reputation for offering the safest and most efficient rigs in the industry to the market. It combines the expertise of OTD for jackup rigs and the in-depth capabilities of Forum’s catwalks to provide customers with innovative and user-friendly solutions.”

05/05/2016