BARDEX CONTRACTED BY NOBLE DRILLING FOR APACHE FORTIES PISTON-GRIPPER ASSEMBLIES UPGRADE TO RIG SKIDDING SYSTEMS.

GOLETA, California, U.S.A., August 17, 2006

Bardex Corporation, Goleta, California, was contracted by Noble Drilling, Aberdeen, Scotland, for equipment upgrades to the Bardex rig skidding systems on the Apache Forties Alpha and Bravo platforms. For each rig, Bardex Corporation supplied piston-gripper assemblies, rated at 150 short ton capacity to suit the existing beam flange; the grippers will interface with the existing Bardex supplied jacking cylinders that have been in service for over 30 years. The original Bardex hose-type gripper assemblies, installed in the mid 70’s, are being replaced after 30 years of service by the improved piston-type gripper assembly.

Bardex was also recently awarded a similar contract to supply piston-gripper assemblies and jacking cylinders for the Apache Forties Charlie platform.

Bardex designs and supplies a wide range of heavy load moving, handling and positioning systems for the offshore and shipyard industries. These include skidding systems for drilling rigs and jacket loadout/launch operations; systems for BOP handling, riser/pipe handling/tensioning, riser hang-off, TLP tendon installation/tensioning, SPAR/FPS/FPSO mooring, pipe line pull-in, and turret turning/locking; and ship elevator and transfer systems.

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