When drilling a well, maintaining high efficiency and safety are always the targets. The moonpool area is one of the most critical — yet often under-optimized — spaces on a drilling rig. On drillships and semi-submersible drilling rigs (floaters) in particular, this area is highly exposed to weather, congestion, and safety risks.
That’s why the choice between standard and tailor-made moonpool solutions can directly impact performance, HSE outcomes, and commercial competitiveness.
In this article, you will learn why standard solutions often fall short, how tailor-made systems improve efficiency and safety, and what to consider before making an investment.
Why Standard Solutions Are Not Always Enough
Newbuild rigs are typically delivered with standardized equipment. While these systems meet generic drilling requirements, they rarely account for the unique challenges of each drilling campaign:
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Varying (subsea) equipment from different vendors
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Harsh weather conditions
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Specific HSE demands
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Contract-defined operational requirements
As a result, standard setups may meet minimum technical thresholds, but still leave significant efficiency gains untapped.
Additional reading: How To Remove People From Critical Areas On An Offshore Rig
Left: Tailor-made DAT Arrest system to remotely and handsfree secure DAT cylinders against lateral movement. The equipment is firmly secured in reduced time and with less personnel involved.
Right: Tailor-made Tension Ring Handling Arms installed to connect / disconnect DAT Cylinders to Telescopic Joint handsfree in reduced time.
The Case for Tailor-Made Moonpool Solutions
Tailored systems are designed for specific rigs and specific campaigns. They enable:
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Reduced time on critical path operations: More uptime, less Non Productive Time (NPT), reduced time to complete a well and limits emissions.
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Extended operational weather window: Equipment designed to maintain operations in adverse weather conditions.
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Improved HSE outcomes: Equipment designed to remove/reduce safety hazards, including hands-free, remote systems reduce crew exposure.
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Lower environmental risks: Robust designs prevent equipment breakdown and reduce risk for leaks and spills.
Examples include i.e tailor-made BOP/XMT/MPD handling systems that cut running time from hours to minutes and at the same time increase personnel safety by eliminating work over open sea and introduce remote operations that allow safe, hands-free connections.
Left: Tailor-made BOP Handling system where time to run BOP and Riser was reduced to one third of original time with less personnel involved and much safer operations.
Right:Tailor made subsea winch to be installed any place on the rig and with passive or active compensation and SWL and wire length to suit operational requirements.
Commercial Considerations
When evaluating moonpool upgrades, you need to weigh factors such as:
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Capex, estimated efficiency gains and contract duration
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Safety improvements
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Rig/Day rate competitiveness
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Time to install and possible downtime
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Long-term market positioning
Well-engineered, tailor-made systems not only enhance safety and efficiency but also strengthen the rigs attractiveness and competitiveness.
Read more: How Tailored Moonpool Handling Systems Can Improve Safety (HSE)
Key Takeaway
The moonpool area is simply too important to be left to generic solutions. Tailor-made handling systems unlock a rig’s operational potential, can help extend contracts, and extend the commercial life of mature rigs to remain attractive to clients.
In short, tailored moonpool solutions will provide: safer and more efficient operations, improved commercial performance, and reduced time to complete the well (improve environmental footprint).
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