In June 2023, Dolphin Drilling initiated Project Arkansas, a strategic effort to fully integrate the Paul B. Loyd Jr. (PBLJ) semi-submersible rig into its fleet. Previously operated by Transocean, the transition required meticulous planning and execution to ensure a smooth handover with minimal operational disruption.
The primary objective of Project Arkansas was to execute the transition efficiently; minimise disruption to the client; retain experienced crew members; achieve timely regulatory approvals; and align all safety and management systems with Dolphin Drilling’s standards. Given the complexity of offshore drilling operations and regulatory requirements, the project followed a structured approach to ensure compliance, safety, and operational continuity, which we value so highly at Dolphin Drilling.
Challenge
The transition of the Paul B. Loyd Jr. (PBLJ) rig to Dolphin Drilling presented several key challenges that required careful planning and execution to ensure seamless integration. These challenges were addressed through a structured approach, balancing operational continuity, workforce retention, system integration, and stakeholder engagement.
- Operational Continuity: Ensuring uninterrupted offshore operations for Harbour Energy/NEO with clear communication to align expectations and avoid disruptions.
- Crew Retention & Change Management: Retaining key personnel through structured onboarding and training while reinforcing Dolphin Drilling’s safety culture.
- System Integration: Aligning Safety Management Systems and migrating critical operational data, including maintenance, procurement, HR, and compliance systems.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Engaging internal teams, regulators, vendors, and service providers to ensure compliance, contract alignment, and smooth execution.
A proactive engagement strategy was required to ensure alignment among all stakeholders, management of expectations, and minimisation of potential delays or misalignments.
Solution
To ensure a seamless transition of the PBLJ rig to Dolphin Drilling, a structured approach was implemented to align resources, maintain clear communication, retain personnel, and uphold safety standards.
Aligning Resources for a Smooth Transition: A phased transition strategy was adopted, ensuring that people, equipment, and materials were effectively aligned and introduced systems gradually, conducted map/gap exercises to align procedures, and migrated critical IT platforms.
Communication & Coordination: Clear and transparent communication was central to the transition’s success including integration workshops, regular stakeholder engagement, and a structured ‘Day-1’ operational plan ensured clarity and smooth execution.
Specialist Support: To facilitate the transition, a specialist consulting advisor with expertise in mergers and acquisitions was engaged to bridge managerial, technical, and cultural processes. This ensured the effective integration of best practices and risk management strategies.
Crew Retention & Training: Ensuring existing crew retention and integration was a key priority to maintain operational continuity. Onboarding programmes, contract finalisation, and superuser training ensured workforce stability and operational efficiency.
Safety & Risk Management: A risk mitigation framework, dual-running of systems, and emergency response integration upheld ALARP safety principles.
By implementing these measures, Project Arkansas successfully mitigated risks, supported crew adaptation, and ensured a seamless transition with minimal operational disruption.
Outcome
The delivery of Project Arkansas can be deemed a great success, a testament to the support of the Project Team that helped deliver it, and the attitude of the offshore crew transitioning to Dolphin Drilling.
Some key takeaways from the project:
- 100% retention of personnel was achieved during the transition, ensuring continuity of the efficient operational performance onboard
- Development and approval of the Material Change Safety Case, originally viewed as the most time-sensitive critical path activity, was achieved ahead of schedule. Removing risk to the transition timeline.
- System cutover, and outage periods during this process, were delivered in less than 24 hours, and without operational impact to Harbour Energy, achieving one of the key goals of the project.
- After the transition to Dolphin Drilling, the PBLJ delivered excellent operational up-time, and notable HSEEQ performance.
The project's success can be attributed to our values:
Trust: Building relationships with new colleagues and clients was critical to success.
Excellence: This was a complex time-bound project, requiring dedication from each and every person involved.
Accountability: A lot of responsibility was placed on a multi-discipline project team, effective communication between the team to ensure the project remained on track was key.
Momentum: The project was not only time-bound by the regulatory approvals necessary for Dolphin to operate the rig, it was controlled by the rigs operating schedule. The Team delivered, meeting all milestones on or ahead of schedule to ensure readiness.
“The success of Project Arkansas was a testament to the communication and collaboration within the team. From the meticulous planning stages to the final execution, every member played a crucial role in ensuring seamless integration and operational continuity. The team's ability to maintain clear and transparent communication with all stakeholders was instrumental in aligning expectations and addressing concerns promptly. This approach ensured that all team members and stakeholders were well-informed and engaged throughout the project, contributing to its successful completion.”
- Craig Moore, Operational Project Manager