PV DRILLING VIII – formerly known as West Prospero (Seadrill, Singapore) – was acquired by PV Drilling and underwent a comprehensive refurbishment project. Among these, the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems played a central role as the “heart” of the rig, ensuring overall safety and operational efficiency.
Notably, this marked the first time that a comprehensive upgrade and reactivation project of a jack-up rig was fully executed by a team of Vietnamese engineers, with ESEC entrusted to implement and integrate the VFD–PLC system.
ESEC’s Perspective – Demonstrating Vietnamese Engineering Capabilities
After the survey, ESEC implemented a comprehensive upgrade solution for the rig:
- Upgrade the drilling system to the new ABB ACS880 product line;
- Upgrade the existing PLC S7-300 control system to the new Siemens S7-1500 product line;
- Program synchronous control for key drilling equipment (Mud Pump, Drawwork & Topdrive), add the function of switching the power of a backup Drawwork for Top Drive (Assignment).
Throughout the project, ESEC faced significant challenges: a tight schedule, strict safety requirements, and substantial workloads. Nevertheless, with creativity and commitment, the team successfully delivered the project on time, safely, and without a single incident.
Of particular note, the successful integration of the VFD system with NOV’s electronic drilling platform—a highly sophisticated technology—demonstrated that Vietnamese engineers are fully capable of mastering advanced solutions.
Mr. Ha Duc Cuong – Managing Director of ESEC, shared: “The success of the PV DRILLING VIII project is not only a technical achievement, but also a strong statement: Vietnamese engineers have the competence and determination to master complex technologies, thereby contributing to enhancing our nation’s position on the global energy map.”
Insights from the Field: The Voice of ESEC Engineers
Mr. Le Nhat Vu – Site Manager of ESEC, one of the key engineers of the project, noted: “Although we have had a lot of experience in implementing control and transmission systems before, the biggest challenge in this project was that we had to utilize part of the existing system and replace new equipment according to international standards. The combination of ‘old and new’ always has potential risks and requires meticulousness, but the ESEC team found the optimal solution to keep everything running synchronously and stably.”
The Client’s Perspective: Stringent Requirements – Outstanding Results
Mr. Dang Trung Du – Head of Mechanical & Maintenance Department, PV Drilling Division, commented: “PV DRILLING VIII was an exceptionally demanding project in terms of schedule, safety, and quality. Many foreign contractors declined, considering PV Drilling’s requirements unfeasible. As a complex rig, even the smallest error could have had major operational consequences. Throughout the implementation, ESEC met all requirements, completed on time, and most importantly, maintained absolute safety. This project is clear proof of the capabilities of Vietnamese engineers in executing highly complex oil and gas projects.”
For PV Drilling, the successful reactivation of PV DRILLING VIII is not only the revival of a rig but also a testament to its strategy of sustainable development based on internal capabilities. For ESEC, this project marks a significant milestone in affirming its position: a Vietnamese enterprise capable of delivering world-class technology solutions, contributing to the sustainable development of the oil and gas and energy industries.
Project journey video:
BD & MKT
