Warm stacking a vessel like Hercules drilling rig presents a familiar challenge: assets left idle for extended periods are prone to corrosion, mechanical deterioration, and compromised system integrity. Without a structured full-service preservation program, critical components—from static equipment to piping systems and electrical assets—can quickly develop corrosion in piping circuits, vessels, exchangers, and other moisture-sensitive areas.
For Odfjell Drilling (rig management and operations) and SFL (rig owner), maintaining asset reliability during the stacking period was essential to protect long-term value and avoid costly repairs or downtime when returning the rig to service. Presserv’s experience in complex preservation, offshore preservation, and asset protection made it possible to control corrosive environments throughout the rig and support the client’s long-term operational strategy.
Presserv executed a comprehensive warm-stacking scope designed to “stop the clock” on corrosion while safeguarding the vessel’s readiness for future operations. The team deployed a structured preservation plan covering mechanical, electrical, and structural elements, reinforced by preservation procedures tailored for equipment in storage and long-term lay-up conditions. The goal was straightforward: ensure complete corrosion protection across the rig, maintain asset integrity during the entire stacking period, and help extend the interval relevant to the Special Periodic Survey (SPS).
To achieve this, Presserv used a combination of VCI-based corrosion protection solutions—including powders, emitters, protective coatings, shrink film, rust-conversion primers, and lubricants—applied internally and externally to critical components. These technologies formed protective films inside enclosed spaces, strengthened barrier protection on exposed surfaces, and supported corrosion control in both wet and dry lay-up environments. Additional measures such as MEG conditioning and mechanical preservation ensured robust protection of spare parts, valves, piping systems, exchangers, and rotating equipment. With preservation specialists and corrosion technicians on site, the team maintained tight control of environmental conditions, including moisture-prone zones, enhancing overall asset protection and ensuring a safe, cost-effective, and rapid future reactivation.
The full list of products used on this project were as follows:
From Cortec:
VpCI®-101 Device
VpCI®-105 Emitter
VpCI®-111 Emitter
CorrVerter® Rust Converter Primer
VpCI® - 368 Solvent Based Temporary Coating
VpCI® - 369 Open atmosphere Removable Coating
MilCorr® VpCI® Shrink Film
CorrLube™ VpCI® Lithium EP Grease
M-531
VpCI®-609 Biodegradable Powders for Ferrous Metals and Aluminum
Ecofog® VpCI®-337
VpCI®-649
VpCI®-705
From Ferryl:
Ferryl Rustoil
Ferryl 101
Ferryl 202
Others:
MEG (mono ethylene glycol)
The warm-stacking project for Hercules was originally planned for 45 days, but Presserv, together with rig crew, completed the full scope in just 33 days. Strong upfront planning, efficient client coordination, and favorable weather ensured smooth execution. The 25% time reduction delivered immediate cost savings and added long-term value by lowering reactivation effort and reducing corrosion risk.
The client’s commitment, demonstrated by assigning an adequate number of rig crew and close day-to-day cooperation, played a key role in the project’s success. Ultimately, the preservation work strengthened asset reliability, extended equipment life, and reinforced long-term corrosion management goals for Odfjell Drilling.
