Electrically powered jacking systems: collaboration between GustoMSC and Siemens Netherlands

The variable-speed-driven rack and pinion systems for jack-ups developed jointly by GustoMSC and Siemens Netherlands are used to lift drilling vessels and platforms for the offshore industry above sea level at their work location, making them impervious to waves.

These innovative frequency-controlled electrical drives can position the legs of the drilling vessel or platform on the sea bed faster and more accurately than conventional systems. The company is also responsible for engineering, cabinet building and commissioning. This is possible thanks to a lighter construction and better weight distribution, resulting in less wear and tear. This also renders faster commissioning, easier operation and service with remote access and condition monitoring possible. Together with less required installed power, this not only makes the innovative system less expensive, but also increases efficiency by around ten percent. The Siemens scope of supply for jacking solutions is the electrical systems, including Sinamics S120 drives, Simantic S7 control, PCS7 and motors.

The success of the electrical jacking systems already in use on two platforms in the North Sea has now led to thirteen follow-up orders in the oil & gas industry. In addition, GustoMSC and Siemens foresee good opportunities for using the electrically powered jacking system on wind turbine installation vessels for installing offshore wind farms.

The portfolio of Siemens for the oil and gas industry provides innovative, efficient and reliable products and solutions that include development of remote sites as well as the production and processing of oil and gas. This portfolio offers solutions for increasing pressure in oil and gas fields, a full range of applications for pipelines, FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading), refineries and petrochemical applications.

The Siemens Energy Sector is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2009 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR25.8 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR30 billion and posted a profit of EUR3.3 billion. On September 30, 2009, the Energy Sector had a work force of more than 85,100.

Siemens AG
Corporate Communications and Government Affairs
Wittelsbacherplatz 2, 80333 Munich
Germany
Reference number: Newsflash20100114 Media Relations: Eva-Maria Baumann
Phone: +49 9131 18-3700
E-mail: eva-maria.baumann@siemens.com
Siemens AG
Energy Sector – Oil & Gas Division
Freyeslebenstr. 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany