ABL has been appointed by United India Insurance to oversee the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s (ONGC) rig moves in India. The contract, which runs from September 2025 to May 2026, involves ABL acting as a marine warranty surveyor for 25 anticipated ONGC rig moves. Additionally, ABL will be involved in 70 moves onboard third-party Jack-up units within ONGC’s fields off the west coast of India. This includes 34 rig moves to new locations ahead of the Indian monsoon season from March to June.
The contract covers ONGC’s entire fleet of jack-ups and mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) in Indian waters. ABL’s director for rig operations, Captain Stephen Craig, stated that the company has a long history of supporting ONGC in de-risking and delivering their rig moving operations. ABL combines a multi-disciplined in-house team with decades of practical experience in rig moving, giving them a unique perspective on the environmental and technical challenges involved.
In 2024, ABL supported over 1,500 rig moves globally in various capacities, including marine warranty surveyor, tow master, client representative, and engineering consultancy. This experience and expertise will be leveraged to ensure the successful execution of the ONGC rig moves. The appointment of ABL demonstrates the company’s capabilities and reputation in the industry, and they are well-positioned to support ONGC’s operations in India.
The contract period is significant, as it coincides with the Indian monsoon season, which can pose challenges to rig moving operations. ABL’s involvement will help to mitigate these risks and ensure the safe and efficient relocation of ONGC’s rigs. The company’s expertise in marine warranty surveying, tow mastering, and engineering consultancy will be crucial in navigating the technical and environmental challenges associated with rig moving in Indian waters.
Overall, the appointment of ABL to oversee ONGC’s rig moves is a significant development in the oil and gas industry in India. With their expertise and experience, ABL is well-equipped to support ONGC’s operations and ensure the successful execution of the rig moves. The contract highlights the importance of specialized services in the oil and gas industry and demonstrates the value that companies like ABL can bring to complex operations like rig moving.