Stena Drilling chooses new KONGSBERG technology including Kognifai digital platform for drillship upgrade

Contract to integrate new decision support capabilities and replace existing KONGSBERG systems with new generations for improved operational safety and reduced non-productive time (NPT)

Stena Drilling has contracted Kongsberg Maritime to deliver a complete upgrade of its systems aboard the Stena Carron, a harsh environment dynamically positioned DP Class 3 drillship capable of drilling in water depths up to 10,000ft. Stena Carron is due to dock this November for scheduled 10 year maintenance, during which new K-Pos Dynamic Positioning, K-Chief Automation, K-Thrust Thruster Control and a Kongsberg Riser Management System will all be installed.

In parallel to the safety and efficiency gains enabled by the new control technology aboard Stena Carron, KONGSBERG’s state-of-the-art Kognifai digital platform will securely host the proven Kongsberg Information Management System (K-IMS), a decision support tool providing new levels of insight to optimise operational safety and reduce NPT. To achieve this, K-IMS uses a Common Data Logger which gathers and analyses information from all Kongsberg Maritime systems on board, with optional capability for 3rd party data interfaces. With an integrated Malware Protection System and remote access for diagnostics, K-IMS is highly secure, with all data available in near real-time on easy to use ‘dashboards’ aboard and ashore.

“Leveraging value from real-time data is key to delivering improved efficiency and reliability for our clients,” said Matt McCaul, Electrical Superintendent, Stena Drilling. “As a fully integrated real-time monitoring and advisory solution, we are confident that the inclusion of Kognifai with K-IMS in the Stena Carron upgrade will be a game-changer. Access to diverse operational data instantly and on a common platform empowers Stena Drilling experts and our clients to make data-derived decisions. Such decisions include vessel configuration for efficient operation based on fuel and energy usage and throughout the operation for a dynamic approach to problem solving.”

The Kongsberg RMS included in the upgrade provides extensive and highly accurate data for drilling, such as real-time optimum position advice, and monitoring for flexjoint angles, connector loads, stroke and for top tension, wellhead connector tension and flex joint tension. The system includes an Alarm and Data logger, Riser Planning Tool with static riser calculations, a two-way interface to the K-Pos DP system and allows for high situation awareness in a 3D view.

“As one of the world's foremost independent drilling contractors, Stena Drilling recognises the value of leading-edge technology for its own and its clients’ operations,” said Martin Wien Fjell, EVP Global Customer Support, Kongsberg Maritime. “With KONGSBERG’s latest generation DP, automation and thruster control systems aboard, Stena Carron will experience the most advanced control solutions available for drillships today. Combined with the Kognifai digital platform and the Kongsberg RMS, Stena Drilling can operate smarter and with lower costs, making the upgrade an investment towards operational sustainability and accommodating future demands from the market.”

GUNVOR HATLING MIDTBØ, Vice President, Communications,
Gunvor Hatling Midtbø
Vice President, Communications