Advanced simulation system for Maersk Drilling

Training - October 29, 2012

Maersk Drilling and Maersk Training have invested US$10 million in a new drilling simulator complex. The complex was inaugurated earlier this month at Maersk Training in Svendborg, Denmark.

Maersk describes the facility as "the most advanced drilling simulator complex ever seen in the drilling industry".

Following the Deepwater Horizon icndient (in which Maersk was not involved) the company commissioned an in-depth study of its implications.

One of the main findings was the need for an increased focus on the interaction between crew members in various functions on the rig when dealing with well control scenarios.

“The human factor is a critical element in all operations, and inadequate competencies and lack of good teamwork and clear communication are often found to be part of the sequence of events triggering accidents,” said Allan McColl, Head of Drilling Support in Maersk Drilling and member of Maersk Drilling’s Post Macondo Task Force.

The aim of the new drilling simulator complex has been to develop training courses that are as realistic as possible. The simulator complex can link the driller’s cabin, the central control room, the crane operation and the engine room together to provide a more comprehensive well control scenario and the people will be tested in teams in addition to the individual tests.

“In real life you have to communicate and act across several barriers, be vigilant for equipment malfunction and anomalies in the well behaviour. Theoretical training and testing of individuals cannot take all these elements into account,” said Mr McColl.

The new training facility in Svendborg will be in high demand as Maersk Drilling is in the process of hiring 3,000 new employees and doubling its fleet by 2016.

Claus V Hemmingsen, CEO of Maersk Drilling and Member of the Group Executive Board of A P Moller – Maersk, said: "This drilling simulator complex will be able to simulate extreme well control situations to ensure that our crews have the necessary competencies to deal with the scenarios on board.

"It exceeds any industry requirement and represents our strong commitment to effective training and high safety standards."