Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P Joint Venture (JV) has announced the arrival of the Shelf Drilling Rig Achiever at the Songhai field (OML 85) location. The rig is a state-of-the-art 350-foot Jack-Up Drilling Unit, that will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s ambitious goal of increasing oil production by 1 million barrels of oil per day (bopd).
This advanced rig provided by Shelf Drilling, represents a pivotal technological leap in drilling operations, underscoring the JV’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s energy output and overall economic growth.
The Shelf Drilling Achiever is equipped with 3,000 horsepower and advanced digital systems, positioning it as a Cyber Rig that brings enhanced automation, operational efficiency, and safety. The rig’s integrated Blowout Preventer, BOP, system is capable of drilling both conventional 10,000 psi wells and high-pressure 15,000 psi wells, providing operational flexibility for complex environments.
Its real-time data capabilities enable precise decision-making, optimizing the drilling process, reducing downtime, and cutting costs, all key to boosting production and sustainability.
The drilling campaigns are a major step towards the JV’s goal of increasing and sustaining oil production to 70,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) within the next five years.
Additionally, the JV aims to monetize over 100 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of natural gas from existing assets. These efforts will bolster production capacity and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s energy security and economic growth.
As part of a broader strategy to support Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV’s deployment of cutting-edge technologies like the Shelf Drilling Achiever demonstrates its commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. These advanced capabilities will play a crucial role in helping Nigeria meet its national production targets, reinforcing its position as a leader in global energy markets while contributing to the country’s long-term energy security and economic stability.
