The moonpool is one of the busiest and most complex areas on a rig. Heavy equipment, critical operations, and exposure to harsh weather all combine to make this a high-risk zone. That’s why having optimal handling systems in place is essential, not only for safe operations but also for ensuring maximum efficiency.
In this article, you will learn how moonpool handling systems have evolved, why they matter for efficiency, and what modern solutions can do to reduce downtime and improve safety.
What Is a Moonpool Today?
The basic function of a moonpool is to provide a safe passage for lowering and retrieving equipment such as the drill string, riser, casing, XMT, BOP, and templates into the sea and down into the wellbore.
But the moonpool has grown far more complex over the past decades. Equipment has increased in size, weight, and complexity, driven by deeper water drilling, harsher environments, higher formation pressures, and stricter safety requirements. Modern rigs often feature dual well centers and more robust handling systems, allowing parallel operations and higher efficiency.
Yet with this complexity comes greater vulnerability: control systems are more advanced, but also more prone to failure.
Learn more about Complete Moonpool Handling Solutions here.
Why Moonpool Handling Systems Matter
As equipment becomes larger and operations more demanding, rigs (both old and new) must adapt to remain competitive. While automation has advanced significantly on the drill floor, moonpool operations are still difficult to fully automate due to their complexity and variability.
Instead, efficiency gains often come from tailored handling systems that:
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Enable remote-controlled and hands-free operations
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Keep crews at a safe distance from hazardous areas
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Reduce time spent on critical path operations
Example: Kill & Choke Hose Connections
Connecting kill and choke hoses to a riser that is moving relative to the rig is a well-known bottleneck. Traditionally, this is a manual task performed over open sea, often involving riding belts or cherry pickers. Depending on weather, the process can take anywhere from 2 to 12 hours, sometimes even longer.
Modern wireless, remote-controlled K&C handling arms change the picture completely. With these systems, hoses and booster lines can be connected in minutes, drastically improving efficiency and reducing exposure to risk.
Read more about our Handsfree Gooseneck Handling System here.
Driving Efficiency and Expanding the Weather Window
Ultimately, the goal is straightforward: equip your crew with the right tools to deliver first-class performance. Optimized moonpool handling systems allow you to:
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Increase your weather window
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Minimize Non-Productive Time (NPT)
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Spend more time drilling and less time waiting
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Enhance safety and reduce environmental risks
Additional reading: How To Remove People From Critical Areas On An Offshore Rig
Conclusion
The oil and gas industry continues to push into deeper waters and harsher conditions, while facing rising expectations around safety, efficiency, and sustainability. In this environment, outdated moonpool systems can quickly become a liability.
By investing in optimal handling solutions, you maximize drilling time, minimize downtime, and keep your crew safe, ensuring your rig meets the industry’s growing demands.
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