GE maintenance for Gazflot semisubmersible fleet

During the dry-docking of Northern Lights and Polar Star, GE’s Marine Solutions will thoroughly test its scope of supply and will replace and upgrade parts where necessary.

Tim Schweikert, president and chief executive, GE’s Marine Solutions, said: “We have had a long-standing relationship with Gazflot and are happy to further our partnership through this deal.

“With our reliable technologies on board their vessels, GE is at the heart of Gazflot’s exploration activities. Our thorough maintenance services and assurance of providing technical support for these vessels will ensure uninterrupted operations for Gazflot in the years to come,” he added.

The two vessels have been equipped with GE technologies including dynamic positioning, automation, drilling drives, MV 7000 propulsion drives, Power Management System, Vessel Management System and Thruster Assisted Mooring System.

These technologies have been reliably at work on Gazflot’s ice class vessels, which are capable of drilling up to 10,000 feet in the adverse conditions in Northern Russia. Through the current contract, GE’s team of on-site engineers will ensure the longevity of installed systems while working with the yard to supervise the dry-docking activities.

Commenting on the contract, Andrey Nikireev, deputy head of power supply department, Gazflot, said: “We have been very happy with GE, and its technology is running flawlessly on board our vessels.”

“GE’s deep understanding of these technologies makes them an ideal partner for this dry-docking, and with GE’s engineers carrying out the maintenance activities, we are confident that our vessels are in a safe pair of hands,” he concluded.

After the dry-docking, GE will continue to provide remote technical support for the Northern Lights and Polar Star semi sub drilling vessels.