Seadrill, Kongsberg Maritime and Hanwha Drilling Alliance Targets Remote Dynamic Positioning for Offshore Drilling Operations
A strategic alliance between Kongsberg Maritime, Seadrill, and Hanwha Drilling aims to develop advanced remote dynamic positioning (DP) technology for offshore drilling operations, with the goal of improving offshore safety, operational efficiency, and drilling performance.
The collaboration will focus on creating the technical and regulatory framework required for remote DP operations. Under this concept, vessel positioning systems used by offshore drilling units could be monitored and controlled from centralized onshore control centers, rather than entirely from offshore rigs. The companies said the initiative could help establish new operating standards for digital offshore drilling and automated marine operations.
The partnership combines Kongsberg Maritime’s expertise in maritime automation, digital systems, and communications technology with the operational experience of major offshore drilling contractors Seadrill and Hanwha Drilling. Together, they aim to design centralized DP operational processes that reduce workload for offshore crews while improving real-time decision-making and operational reliability.
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Dynamic positioning systems are essential for maintaining the precise position of offshore drilling vessels and rigs without the use of anchors, particularly during deepwater and ultra-deepwater drilling operations. By introducing remote DP capabilities, operators could manage positioning systems from centralized facilities while maintaining full safety oversight offshore.
According to the companies, the project represents an early step toward greater automation and digitalization in offshore energy operations, potentially enabling safer and more efficient deepwater drilling and offshore exploration activities in the future.
