ACHIEVEMENTS

For the past 25+ years, Askara has been instrumental in introducing several noteworthy technologies and services to the Indian Oil & Gas industry. However, the following achievements detailed here demonstrate the Askara Advantage, where a combination of grit, determination, dedication and acumen resulted in eventual success, right from closing the sale to successfully executing the order, thereby benefitting the customer, our principal and Askara.

Sundowner Offshore Modular Workover Rigs

The idea of using a cost effective solution for working over offshore wells was introduced for the advantage of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in 1998, where costlier Jack Up Drilling rigs were being used for Work Over operations. Askara worked tirelessly to educate the client of the possibility of using fit-for-purpose Offshore Modular Workover Rigs on ONGC’s unmanned platforms in the Western Offshore. This introduction of technology required precise engineering and close coordination between ONGC, Nabors / Sundowner and Askara engineers to ensure that the rig modules were designed to precisely fit on multiple ONGC offshore platforms of different dimensions. This technology is truly an engineering marvel and Nabors / Sundowner successfully deployed the first Sundowner Rig SD VI for ONGC in 2003. There was no looking back and shortly thereafter, ONGC hired rigs SD VII in 2005 and SD V in 2010, which collectively over the 20+ rig years of operation has helped ONGC save millions of dollars as well as find a viable alternate solution to work over their ageing wells.

 

Worldwide Oilfield Machine (WOM) Blowout Preventers (BOPs)

Askara played a pivotal role in assisting WOM to break the seemingly impossible barriers and gain approval and qualification of WOM BOPs in ONGC in 2010. For 30+ years, ONGC were only using BOPs manufactured by 3 vendors and despite all odds, with the unflinching support of the WOM management and the trademark Askara “Refuse to Lose” spirit, WOM deservedly entered the coveted ONGC approved list of BOP manufacturers after countless presentations, factory visits and audits spread over a 3-year period. The Askara perseverance to ensure approval listing and qualification has helped WOM sell 100+ BOPs in India in a short span as well as achieve sales in excess of USD 75+ Million Dollars of WOM pressure control equipment in India over the past decade!

 

Blade Energy Partners Comprehensive Study of HPHT fields

One of the key components prior to embarking on any successful field development program is a thorough feasibility assessment study. This involves a complete techno commercial analysis commencing from an initial well engineering study, to a drilling and completions program and in-depth planning. Askara promoted the prowess of Blade Energy Partners as a competent technical partner for ONGC to appoint to undertake and complete this comprehensive integrated study for effective appraisal and development of various HPHT, low permeability assets in the Cauvery and KG Basins for ONGC. This prestigious project spanned numerous technical disciplines with over 30 Blade technical experts that were hand picked to successfully complete this flagship multi-million dollar project that was professionally managed by ONGC’s Center of Delivery (COD) for HPHT in Chennai.

 

Nabors Rig 805, A 3000 HP Platform Mounted Offshore Drilling Rig 

A timely Askara intervention in 2010 helped save Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) over USD 100 Million and bag Nabors a 5-year drilling contract for a custom built 3000 HP Platform Mounted Offshore Drilling Rig, later christened Nabors Rig 805. GSPC was in the advanced stages of building a wellhead platform for their Deen Dayal West Field development when Askara, with Nabors support, suggested a minor modification of the platform to also allow for a platform mounted drilling rig to operate there. This would enable GSPC to have the flexibility of using either a Jack Up Drilling Rig or a Platform Drilling Rig to drill its wells. With the then prevailing rates of Jack Up Rigs as well as the historical volatility of its pricing, this timely intervention helped GSPC prudently choose the price stable and cost effective Platform Drilling option. Nabors rose to the occasion and custom built this rig in a record time to enable GSPC spud prior to the contractual date. This was yet another feather in Askara’s hat with a collaborative effort and support from the Nabors management, to help introduce the first Platform Mounted Offshore Drilling Rig to India, post which ONGC too hired Nabors 2000 HP Platform Mounted Offshore Drilling Rig P-16 in 2012!