National Drilling Company inaugurates its new jackup rig ‘Qarnin’

Qarnin is the third rig in a series of six similar drilling rigs being acquired by NDC and manufactured by Lamprell.

Qarnin will join the preceding two rigs, Makasib and Muhaiyimat, which were received earlier. The remaining three rigs are all proceeding on schedule and will be received as planned in 2014/15.

In his remarks, NDC Chief Executive Officer Abdalla Saeed Al Suwaidi highlighted that NDC’s commitment for excellence has enabled it to become the reliable drilling services provider in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, through creating steady growth, advancing operational excellence and establishing the highest levels of safety.

A reliable, modern rig fleet is essential to sustainable success; therefore, NDC launched this major Offshore Rigs Acquisition Project to maintain the highest levels of reliability and availability, and ensure complete preparedness to meet our clients’ present needs and future demands.

Al Suwaidi explained that the expansion plans for NDC onshore, offshore, and Island rigs have resulted in doubling the rig fleet compared to three years back, and the growth trend will continue to triple the number of rigs in the next three years to reach 90 rigs. Parallel to that, the company is working vigorously on recruiting the necessary manpower to operate these rigs efficiently and competently. In doing so, a special focus is placed on developing UAE staff through a robust recruitment and training programs; thus, it is a source of pride that UAE staff number in NDC is now approaching 1,000 employees.