Saudi-based International Maritime Industries (IMI) has announced that it had signed a licence agreement with GustoMSC, a subsidiary of Houston rig and equipment builder National Oilwell Varco (NOV).
The agreement entails a new GustoMSC drilling jack-up design which will utilize the modern manufacturing capabilities currently planned for at IMI, said a press note.
As a result of the agreement IMI will be fully prepared for its first production operations anticipated in 2021.
Fathi K Al Saleem, CEO of IMI, said: "This is a major step for IMI in securing the required knowledge and getting the best rig design which will be tailored to our state of the art construction capabilities, ready for decades to come."
Nils van Nood, Managing Director of GustoMSC, adds: "IMI is an important part of the Saudi Vision 2030. Contributing to that vision is a great opportunity for us to serve key clients in Saudi Arabia and the region. As design company and supplier of dedicated capital equipment, we see an important partner in IMI."
GustoMSC, responsible for delivering the basic design, will tailor one of its well established CJ-series of drilling jack-ups. Combined with a focus on IMI's specific construction and installation capabilities overall rig construction time will be reduced.
The design retains its key and field proven features such as the sturdy X-bracing leg design, the Rack & Pinion Jacking Systems and X-Y cantilever system. The IMI rig design is targeted to be a 'Fit For Purpose' solution that enables safe, efficient and reliable drilling for Saudi Arabia.