Power conversion specialist Converteam has been selected by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) as designer and supplier of high efficiency electrical systems for three newbuild ultra-deepwater drillships for Noble Corporation, one of the world’s largest offshore drilling contractors.
The Hyundai Gusto P10000 designed drillships, rated for operations in up to 12,000 feet water depth, are under construction by HHI at their Ulsan facility in South Korea. The first vessel is due for delivery to Noble in early 2013 with the third due in early 2014.
Converteam’s advanced power, propulsion and drives technologies are vital links in the construction and operation of efficient drilling units in an exceptionally competitive industry in which responsibility, flexibility and sustainability are essential.
Converteam’s responsibility is for a mission critical package of electrical works which includes major components of the electrical power generation, power distribution, propulsion systems and drilling drive systems. Each of the three ships features a total of six 5MW propulsion/positioning thrusters.
Converteam is also delivering sophisticated electrical equipment packages to Noble’s two Globetrotter class drillships which are under construction by STX Offshore and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd at their Dalian yard in China.
Converteam’s Senior Vice President, Steve Raynor , expressed his satisfaction with this important order: “ We are very proud of our long association with Noble Corporation, a relationship that has evolved over many years and many projects. To be selected by HHI for these latest prestigious newbuilds is very satisfying for Converteam as it indicates a high level of confidence in our two greatest assets; our people and our technologies .”
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Source: converteam, May 23, 2011; Image: Noble