PV Drilling Strengthens Its Operational Capacity with the New PV DRILLING IX Unit in Vietnam

The PV DRILLING IX jack-up rig begins operations in April to enhance hydrocarbon extraction and regional energy security.
La tecnología de precisión de PV DRILLING IX para pozos complejos

PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Service Corporation has officially christened its most advanced unit, the PV DRILLING IX. This addition is the result of a strategic plan aimed at consolidating resource sovereignty in Vietnamese territory.

PV DRILLING IX’s Precision Technology for Complex Wells

The unit utilizes the Friede & Goldman JU2000E design and is integrated with automated pipe-handling systems. The equipment comes from manufacturers such as NOV and SLB, enabling the platform to operate under high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. This capability is essential for intervening in wells reaching depths of 30,000 feet, ensuring that no resource remains out of reach due to technical limitations.

Before joining PV Drilling’s fleet, the platform operated in the harsh environment of the North Sea for giants such as Maersk Oil and TotalEnergies. The relocation process from Denmark was a highly complex logistical operation that included exhaustive inspections and rigorous certifications. Likewise, the modernization carried out after its arrival ensures that the current fleet of six jack-up rigs meets the most demanding standards of the global market.

Under the direction of Nguyen Xuan Cuong, it has been made clear that the primary objective is sustainable development. The PV DRILLING IX joins a fleet that has contractual commitments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The entry into service of this equipment in April 2026 will provide vital support for the local extractive industry. The infrastructure has capacity to accommodate 170 specialists, demonstrating the scale of operations ahead in national and international waters.

Source and photo: PetroVietnam Drilling