New Rigs Come Online

Australia
Ensign International Rig #50, an ADR100 has drilled the first two wells for Metgasco in Northern New South Wales and continues to operate as envisaged completing Coal Seam Methane wells in an efficient and safe manner.

Oman
Ensign is about to expand its operations in the Middle East after being awarded a long term contract to provide five new build rigs for an 840 well drilling program in the Sultanate of Oman. The drilling program consists of vertical injector, horizontal producer wells as well as re-entries of existing wells for a completion in a horizontal section. “The award of this tender is a significant milestone for Ensign” said Ed Kautz, Executive Vice President USA & International Operations.  “Not only are we supplying five new build ADR’s to Oman, we will also be providing long term fly in/fly out international employment to a large number of  employees” he said.

Ensign International Energy Services (formerly O.D. & E. Pty Limited), commenced operations in Oman in 1988 when it provided two new build rigs designed specifically for Oman desert conditions.  Since then it has worked continuously in Oman and has drilled over 1000 wells including directional, horizontal and multi-lateral designs.  A third rig, a 2,500 HP deep-hole rig was added to Oman’s fleet in 1995 and has drilled some of the deepest and most challenging exploration wells in Oman.  In 2007 a fourth rig, a 3000 HP deep-hole rig was moved to Oman and it is currently working under a long term contract.  Ensign’s base office in Oman is located in the picturesque capital of Muscat, and is manned by five resident expatriates who are supported by a number of local employees.   

Gene Gaz, Vice President of Ensign International East said “Whilst this is a great opportunity for Ensign to continue to grow our presence in this region, the challenge we face is being able to provide the large number of high calibre employees required for the project. Ensign has worked continuously in Oman for over 20 years and has developed an excellent workforce of expatriate and local workers over the years.   Being a liberal country by Middle East standards, Oman is a very popular place to work and the large number of long serving employees Ensign has working in Oman is evidence of that”. 

Ensign International’s South Australian based Human Resources Manager David Kerr added, “Our policy is to always try to promote our existing employees, but due to the large number of employees that will be progressively required beginning in the next couple of months I see that there will also be many opportunities for experienced hands from outside of Ensign to be involved in this exciting project.”  Asked what attributes were required to work in Oman, David said, “One of the most important aspects of working in any foreign country is being able to respect the people and the culture of the host country. If you can’t accept that you are a guest in their country and appreciate that they may do things a little different to the way we do, then you aren’t going to make in the international market”.          

Ensign International is seeking expressions of interest from Rig Managers, Toolpushers, Drillers and Assistant Drillers, preferably with ADR experience who are interested in working in Oman.  There will also be limited vacancies for experienced Rig Mechanics and SCR Electricians.  The work cycle is a fly in/fly out 35 x 35 day schedule. 

Ensign provides competitive salaries, airfares to and from Oman and reimbursement for any travel related costs such as vaccinations and visas.

To be considered for one of the upcoming vacancies candidates will need to hold a valid passport, be medically fit and have a demonstrated commitment to safety and to the continuous development of their crews. Previous experience working in a multi cultural environment would be well regarded.  Interested applicants should email their detailed Resume to recruitment@ensignint.com

Ensign International Rig #49, a 3000HP SCR rig completed its major refurbishment program in the UAE and has moved to Oman where it has spudded the first well under a long term contract with BG Oman.

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