"ADNOC Drilling" The first island excavator powered by artificial intelligence and walking systems is delivered ahead of schedule
Abu Dhabi, June 25 / WAM / ADNOC Drilling Company PJSC announced today the successful delivery of the AD-300 excavator approximately three months ahead of schedule, enabling early revenue generation and accelerating the six next generation rig program phases.
The excavator is about 50 meters long, equivalent to the height of a 15-story building, and weighs about 2,000 tons. It is equipped with automation tools, advanced digital systems, and hybrid energy systems that can be connected to the electricity grid, enabling operations to be carried out more efficiently and with lower emissions.
Thanks to advanced self-moving systems, the rig is distinguished by its ability to move smoothly between well sites without the need to dismantle it, while advanced robotic systems, such as automated pipe handling systems and monitoring systems supported by artificial intelligence, contribute to reducing personnel’s exposure to the risks of complex operational environments.
Data analysis systems also provide a clear and immediate view of operations, which helps improve performance and enhance the effectiveness of predictive maintenance.
Abdullah Attiya Al Musabi, CEO of ADNOC Drilling, said on this occasion that the delivery of the AD-300 rig is an advanced step in the company’s ongoing efforts to develop methods for implementing major energy projects supported by advanced technology, pointing out that the company seeks, by expanding the scope of integrating automation, artificial intelligence and robotics technologies within its operational portfolio, to enhance safety levels, raise operational efficiency, and achieve more consistent and predictable performance.
He added that completing the delivery of the first rig in a program that includes six rigs ahead of schedule reflects the company’s ability to deliver advanced, high-value assets with high operational and time efficiency, which accelerates revenue generation, supports ADNOC’s plans to expand its production capacity, and enhances the UAE’s leadership in the field of advanced energy solutions.
The AD-300 rig was deployed on one of ADNOC’s unique artificial islands, as the first rig in a contract that includes six next-generation rigs, worth 5.70 billion dirhams ($1.54 billion) awarded by ADNOC Offshore, during the years 2024 and 2025.
This step represents the basis for a qualitative transformation in maritime operations, by accelerating implementation and enhancing consistency of implementation. It is expected that the early operation of the rig, with the completion of the delivery of the rest of the rigs according to the approved stages, will support the clarity of returns and the continued growth of the company during the second half of 2026 and until 2027.
For her part, Taiba Abdul Rahim Al Hashemi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore, said that in light of the widespread global demand for energy, the UAE continues to meet the needs of customers around the world by providing supplies with high reliability and efficiency, and through the AD‑300 rig and the next generation island drilling rigs within this program, ADNOC Offshore is working to accelerate the pace of growth, support ADNOC’s plans to expand production capacity, and achieve long-term sustainable value for its shareholders and the nation.
ADNOC Drilling is currently continuing the deployment of the AD-301 rig, with deliveries of the rest of the rigs within the program to be completed according to specific timetables during the year 2027. Thus, the establishment of one of the most advanced fleets of island rigs in the world will be completed, strengthening ADNOC Drilling’s position as a major supporter of ADNOC’s plans to expand production.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related
