Our Arctic Neighbors: Lukoil shows off multipurpose drilling rig

A new ERMAK-model drilling rig for Russia’s Lukoil has been unveiled, the company said in a release March 25. The ceremony took place in Kaliningrad at the metal works plant of Lukoil-Kaliningradmorneft. The rig is equipped with a hydraulic mobility system that enables it to move by steps in all directions and around its axis to achieve a 360-degree rotation, according to Lukoil.

“The unit can be used both for production and exploration drilling and this is one of its unique features,” the release said. The rig’s loading capacity is 450 metric tons and its drilling depth is 6,500 meters (21,320 feet); it is also equipped with a 1.5 megawatt drill winch, three 1 megawatt drill pumps, an upper power drive with a loading capacity of 500 metric tons and a 0.8 megawatt rotary table.

The drilling rig can be operated in vastly different climates, especially extreme climates such as the Arctic and in high temperatures.

—Sarah Hurst