Transocean deploys wearable drill floor safety technology

Transocean announced today the successful deployment of HaloGuard, a safety system that integrates a wearable locating device with drill floor equipment and machine stoppage controls. The system is now operational on the Deepwater Conqueror, which is working in the Gulf of Mexico. Transocean plans to deploy the technology on six additional rigs by the end of 2021.

The system combines a wearable alarm and a real-time location transmitter with a machine vision system that is designed to track the position of personnel on the drill floor and key drill floor equipment while operating. When a crew member comes within a certain proximity of moving equipment, he or she is notified by an alarm through the wearable device. In the event the crew member remains in close proximity of the moving equipment, the system will stop the equipment from moving until the crew member returns to a safer, more distant position. By enabling machines with the technology to track, sense and, if needed, stop operations, the system provides an advanced layer of individual protection on the drill floor.

“We are extremely proud of our efforts to provide our crews with additional tools and resources to complement our industry-leading training and safety programs,” said Transocean President and CEO Jeremy Thigpen. “This deployment once again showcases Transocean’s ability to develop and advance innovation within offshore drilling. We believe HaloGuard will be a differentiating safety system that others will want to utilize within our industry and potentially within other industries as well.”

The HaloGuard methodology and technology were developed with the assistance of Houston Mechatronics and Salunda and incorporate Salunda’s CrewHawk real-time location technology