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Market Discussion: Marine Drill Rig Mothballing
For 20 years, Protec has been the leader in developing comprehensive marine mothballing systems for ships, drill rigs and other vessels. Protec’s proven, high-tech, turnkey systems are specifically designed to offer protection from the harshest marine environments. They are completely effective in all climates and temperatures, from the tropics to the Arctic.

Each Protec project is custom-engineered to meet the requirements of the specific type of Marine Off Shore Drill Rig Unit to be laid up. Available is the Protec-designed Cargowatch® System, which provides remote monitoring of on board conditions, ensuring continuous protection.
Marine Preservation since 1997
Protec has specialized in marine preservation since 1977. Protec mothballing systems have revolutionized lay ups by making them safe, comprehensive and cost-effective.

Protec Cuts Mothballing Costs

Whatever your mothballing strategy, a Protec system will solve numerous problems and cut your company's overall cost. For a relatively small outlay. Protec will analyze your situation; engineer a comprehensive, customized corrosion/moisture protection system; and install and test the system to demonstrate that all of your objectives have been met. With the Protec system in place, you will have greatly reduced your overall costs, precluded many maintenance expenses, and reduced both the cost and time of recommissioning.

Lay up for Recommissioning
When world demand for oil falls, requiring a temporary reduction in production capacity, valuable drill rig assets should be prepared to sit idle in a state that both maximizes their preservation and provides for the fastest possible return to service. Protec mothballing systems allow our customers to achieve both of these goals, while enjoying convenience, safety and dependability. While your drill rig is mothballed, Protec systems allow accessibility for inspections and maintenance. Protec systems pose no safety problems for employees and are harmless to the environment. Both insurance companies and regulatory organizations will view a Protec protected drill rig as reliably mothballed.

Mothballing for Sale
When the future is not clearly defined, mothballing for an indefinite period may occur. During this time, owners that use a Protec system will know that their assets are thoroughly protected against the harsh marine environment. Likewise, they will know that all of their options for employment of the asset will remain open: The equipment will remain ready for reactivation. The asset will retain its highest value for sale. Components will be kept in good shape for transfer to other rigs or for sale. With a Protec preservation system, the final disposition of the rig can be determined, without loss to corrosion, years—or even decades—later.

Mothballing for Scrap

Even when a drill rig is scheduled for salvage, Protec protection systems can play an important cost-reduction role. Components such as pumps, electronic systems, generators, valves and the like can be individually preserved for an unlimited time. The small cost of protection is insignificant compared to the gain from resale.

Protec’s Approach

Whether your MODU is a jackup, submersible or semi submersible rig, Protec will design and install both a comprehensive and cost-effective mothballing system. Our philosophy is to take the burden of lay up protection off our client. We will review your requirements, establish objectives, and build a system integrating the most advanced protection technologies. Before we leave the site, we'll startup and test all components of the system, train your maintenance staff, and provide support should any problem occur. Your Protec system will combine advanced desiccant dehumidification and vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCIs) technologies. The integration of these very different technologies allows for the design of an unusually flexible and cost-effective system.

Protec custom-engineers mothballing systems
to meet our clients’ objectives cost-effectively. Systems can be built for short-term lay-up, long-term mothballing or on board equipment protection.

Short or Long Term Solutions

Dehumidification
Dehumidification is used for the preservation of enclosed areas and their contents. A Protec desiccant system prevents moisture from condensing out of the air onto surfaces or being absorbed directly into materials. This eliminates dripping, puddling, ice formation, mold and mildew and all surface moisture. In some circumstances, the dry air is circulated inside existing structures that have been sealed. In other cases, large or small temporary enclosures can be created on deck to create suitable storage areas. Similarly, individual pieces of equipment may be enveloped by polyurethane “cocoons” so that dry air can be circulated around areas to be protected. Because the dry air produced is at a relative humidity of 40%, it precludes the possibility of corrosion. (Studies by W. Vernon in 1927 -1935 have shown that when the relative humidity is kept below 40% all corrosion is precluded. See Vernon, W. : Trans. Faraday Soc. Vol. 23, p113; Vol. 27, p255; Vol. 38, p1668.)

Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors
VCIs are also part of the Protec system. They are non-toxic chemicals that can be applied in a number of easily used formulas, including sprays, paints, time release vaporizers, plastic bags, films, and oil additives. VCIs prevent corrosion by blocking electrochemical reactions at the molecular level. After application, they are adsorbed onto the surface of the materials to be protected, where they prevent corrosion for up to two years. VCIs provide the flexibility to protect against corrosion, where dehumidification is impractical. VCIs are environmentally friendly and are of no risk to employees.

Protec Advantages
Protec systems offer important advantages when compared to traditional mothballing methods. With Protec there are no safety hazards. Start up is fast and inexpensive. Coatings do not have to be removed. Labor costs are minimal. Other commonly used protection methods have these limitations:
• Coatings: No coating is 100% impermeable. Water and oxygen penetrate all coatings, eventually resulting in corrosion.
• Wax or Grease Compounds: These function similar to paint, but are less durable. They may require costly maintenance or replacement after two years. Generally, they require a time consuming cleanup with a solvent before start up can be achieved.
• Wrapping: plastic sheeting used to wrap objects invariably leaks air and creates a more corrosive environment than open storage.
• Gases: Nitrogen gas can produce an extreme fire hazard and a threat to employee safety. Inert gases may leak, requiring re-installation.

On Time, On Budget!
Protec mothballing projects are always on time, on budget and within specification. All projects are completed and invoiced without “add-ons” and at the estimated cost. In an independent Supplier Performance Review conducted by Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, 13 recent customers rated Protec as “exceeding expectations” or “meeting expectations” in all performance categories. In the “Total Cost of Project” category, all of Protec’s customers rated us as “exceeding expectations.”