Wed 23 Nov 2011, 15:12 GMT

Agreement to install emissions monitoring system


Laser-based technology to be installed in order to meet latest air permit requirements.



US firm WR Systems Ltd. has been awarded a contract to supply its laser-based Emsys Emissions Monitoring System (EMS) to a major offshore drilling contractor for three drilling ships/rigs located in the Gulf of Mexico.

The EMS will be incorporated into the vessels' proprietary data management technology to provide compliance with each vessel’s EPA Air Permit requirements. It is understood Emsys was selected following a detailed evaluation of the current EMS technology.

WR Systems is also carrying out a significant Engineering Design Package to ensure the EMS system is properly integrated into each vessel’s sophisticated data network.

WRSystems has been working with the drilling contractor for over a year in preparation for these projects. The recent change to the EPA Air Permit requirements in the Gulf of Mexico has required all drilling contractors to re-evaluate their compliance strategies.

The proprietary data acquisition technology utilized on these projects has been developed in partnership with engine manufacturers and turbocharger suppliers.

According to WR Systems, the operating profiles of these vessels make standard emissions monitoring systems unsuitable for this highly complex monitoring application; therefore, the contractor sought to combine the best available technologies with its internally developed data system.

Commenting on the contract, Megan Jones, Emsys Program Manager explained, "We are thrilled to have secured these strategically important contracts. WR Systems has developed Emsys to be significantly different from the standard EMS offerings, and these contracts, combined with other recent successes, have justified the long term investment of the company in Emsys. Our customer was not looking for a product; they wanted a bespoke solution to their particular requirements, and a company that had a track record of delivering engineering solutions to the highest industry standards."

WR Systems has been established for over 26 years and has a reputation for developing and supporting mission-critical, high-technology maritime navigation and communications equipment.

The company, based in Fairfax, Virginia, with its Engineering Services Division in Norfolk, Virginia, supports multiple navies and commercial maritime companies around the world.

"ESD has an extensive track record in developing extremely rugged technology to meet applications where existing market offerings are unsuitable," WR Systems said.


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