3C Metal USA is completing the installation of a new managed pressure drilling (MPD) system onboard the West Neptune drillship for Seadrill, with final completion expected in Q3.

The project involves the fabrication of a new doubledecker skid to accommodate the MPD manifolds, along with the installation of high-pressure MPD piping, electrical connections for the new system and hydraulic tie-ins. The structures were fabricated at 3C Metal’s workshop in Houston, with installation beginning in early Q4 2024 in Louisiana and now ongoing offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

Planning began in June 2024. During the initial phase, 3C Metal carried out the engineering for all new structures and piping and integrated them into a 3D point cloud model to support design development and clash checking for the new equipment.

Following the resumption of offshore activities in April 2025, 3C Metal USA has made significant progress on the MPD installation. Now in Phase 3, the team has completed the construction of the large MPD doubledecker platform and the installation of the MPD manifold.

3C Metal deployed a team of 27 personnel to carry out the work onboard the rig. The team is currently working to finalize the project. Despite the complexity of structural and mechanical work offshore, the team has maintained steady progress throughout this critical phase.

Upcoming work includes completing the electrical connections to the manifold, full installation of the MPD piping system and the installation of an integrated riser joint (IRJ), MPD reeler and the required 10-ton winches to operate the system. These activities are taking place throughout Q2 and are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

3C Metal USA remains fully committed to the safe and timely delivery of this project for Seadrill.