Obadare eyes opportunity on back of 4F certification

Toowoomba-based Obadare Group has gained 4F certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) in what it says is a boost for the Australia oil and gas rig industry. Obadare managing director Matt Warner said rig operators in Australia previously had to fly in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representation from overseas to manufacture, refurbish or upgrade drill rigs to the international 4F standard. “API 4F certification is a vote of confidence in the quality of the Australian industry and its ability to provide world-class services locally," Mr Warner said. "We’re delighted to now offer local and international operators the opportunity to supply customised new builds, service, upgrade and recertification of their rigs to a world standard right here in Australia, offering significant time and cost savings. “This will also generate employment opportunities for the Australian industry, ensuring more of the industry’s economic benefits stay in Australia. Significantly, we also have the potential to upgrade rigs to next-generation standards, taking advantage of local knowledge and operator requirements, while utilising the benefits of automation to generate further substantial cost savings.” The firm, a member of FKG Group’s energy services division, has delivered more than 2800 projects since 2009 to clients including Baker Hughes, Easternwell, Origin Energy, Santos, Saxon, Schlumberger and Wild Desert. Mr Warner said the company could see potential for the expansion of its business. Obadare operations manager Steve Weir, managing director Matt Warner and engineering manager Adrian Gustafson display the group's API certification. “In Australia, the Northern Gas Pipeline is expected to generate an uptick in drilling activity, with Northern Territory reserves now having direct access to market, along with our current work in the Surat, Cooper and Galilee Basins," he said. "Meanwhile, major drilling contractors are also moving rigs abroad to take advantage of the global upturn and we can supply the API required inspections, repairs, upgrades and certifications here in Australia, making them drill-ready when they hit the ground overseas.” On the path to API certification, Obadare has upgraded its 5000sq m facility, systems and processes. “With our new capabilities, the future for the Australian industry could be a majority of rigs being built and serviced in Australia – a ‘made in Australia’ future for our multibillion-dollar oil and gas industry,” Mr Warner said. The company also recently appointed a new operations manager, Stephen Weir - a Darling Downs local, with significant experience in delivering oil and gas projects operating under API certification. “Steve brings more than a decade of local industry experience spanning the mining, energy and industrial sectors. We’re delighted to welcome him to the Obadare team as part of our investment in people and processes, which will deliver further growth for our business and local employment opportunities,” Mr Warner said.

Obadare eyes opportunity on back of 4F certification

Industry Queensland

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