HB Rentals Launches New Range of Safety Modules for North Sea

HB Rentals, the global provider of temporary offshore living quarters and well service cabins to the oil and gas industry, announces the introduction of the first ATEX Zone one pressurised A60 rental cabins to the UK Continental Shelf.

The introduction of the cabins, rated to the ATEX European directive, represents the next generation of well service in the North Sea, providing the highest safety and technology standards in the world.

Zone one classification is one of the most hazardous areas on an oil rig and generally covers most areas on the drill floor.

Since the ATEX directive was introduced in 2003 no new zone one rated modules have been available for rental in the region.

HB Rentals is to build a fleet of 50 ATEX Zone one modules, designed to BSEN 50381, at a cost of approximately £8 million. They will be used for well services, including measurement while drilling and mud logging.

Designed for all climates, the modules, which are 16ft and 20ft by 8ft, will be available from HB Rentals’ bases in Aberdeen, Rotterdam, Dubai, Stavanger, Singapore and Australia. They will be introduced globally throughout 2011 and 2012.

Glenn Aguilar, vice president corporate sales, said: “The introduction of zone one modules rated to ATEX standard establishes HB Rentals as the market leader in well service cabins.

“Since 2003, we have seen the fleet of zone one modules in the North Sea age. This has led to some zone one modules being downgraded to zone two, or operators having to go through the costly and lengthy process of obtaining special dispensation for their deployment.

“Our ATEX rated modules will enable operations to be undertaken in the most hazardous areas with the upmost safety.”