Containerized drilling rigs
Technical Specifications (Representative 3,500 m Containerized Rig)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Nominal depth (4‑1/2″ drill pipe) | 3,500 m |
| Maximum hook load | 2,250 kN (225 metric tons) |
| Drawworks power | 1,000 HP AC VFD |
| Drive type | AC VFD (diesel‑electric or grid) |
| Mast type | Telescopic or sectional, API 4F, 35‑38 m height |
| Substructure type | Container‑integrated unfolding design |
| Mast erection | Hydraulic cylinders (no crane required) |
| Number of ISO containers | 12‑15 (mix of 20ft and 40ft) |
| Maximum container weight | 18,000 kg (40ft) / 9,000 kg (20ft) – road legal |
| Heli‑transportable option | Modules ≤ 4,000 kg (Mi‑26 compatible) |
| Rig‑up time (crew of 6) | 5‑7 days |
| Operating temperature | Standard: -20°C to +50°C; Arctic: -45°C; Desert: +55°C |
| Power source | Diesel gensets (2‑4 x 1,000 kVA) or grid |
| Mud pumps | 2 x 1,000 HP, triplex, containerized |
| Top drive | 250‑350 t, AC VFD (containerized control) |
| Driller's cabin | Containerized, soundproof, HVAC, dual HMI |
| API compliance | API 4F, 7K, 8C, Q1 |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, CE (optional) |
Product Types – Containerized Drilling Rigs
| Model | Depth | Hook Load | Container Count | Heli‑Portable? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT‑1500 | 1,500 m | 1,000 kN | 8‑10 | Yes (≤4t modules) | Water wells, shallow geothermal, remote exploration |
| CT‑2500 | 2,500 m | 1,700 kN | 10‑12 | Yes (≤4t) | Jungle drilling, island development, arctic tundra |
| CT‑3500 | 3,500 m | 2,250 kN | 12‑15 | No (road/marine only) | Standard remote onshore drilling, fly‑in with road access |
| CT‑5000 | 5,000 m | 3,150 kN | 15‑20 | No | Deep gas, HPHT, offshore platform support |
| CT‑OS (Offshore) | 3,500‑5,000 m | 2,250‑3,150 kN | 12‑18 | Marine container | Platform infill drilling, FPSO drilling packages |
| CT‑AR (Arctic) | 1,500‑3,500 m | 1,700‑2,250 kN | 12‑15 | Yes (arctic heli) | Permafrost zones, Siberia, Canada North |
All configurations include:
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AC VFD drive (standard)
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Containerized mud system (tanks, shakers, centrifuges)
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Containerized BOP control unit
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Containerized power generation (diesel gensets)
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Optional walking or skidding system (for pad drilling)
Applications – Where Containerized Rigs Excel
| Application | Why Containerized Rig | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Jungle / Amazon drilling | No roads, only rivers. Containerized rig travels by barge, then air‑lifted by helicopter to pad. | Drilling in previously inaccessible reserves |
| Arctic tundra / permafrost | Ice roads exist only 2‑3 months/year. Containerized rig can be pre‑positioned by winter road or air‑lifted. | Year‑round drilling without waiting for freeze‑up |
| Island / archipelagic drilling | Remote islands lack heavy‑lift cranes. Containerized rig assembled with simple A‑frame or hydraulic mast. | Self‑sufficient drilling without port infrastructure |
| Offshore platform infill | Platform deck space is tight. Containerized modules fit through hatches, connect via doghouses. | Add drilling capacity without major platform modification |
| Mountain / high‑altitude exploration | Winding roads limit truck length and weight. Standard containers fit on switchbacks. | Access mineral and hydrocarbon plays at altitude |
| Disaster relief / emergency water wells | Rapid deployment to earthquake or flood zones. Containerized rig ships in standard freight, assembles quickly. | Get life‑saving water wells drilling within a week |
| Fly‑in fly‑out (FIFO) camps | Remote exploration camps rely on air transport. Heli‑portable containerized rig fits into existing logistics. | Reduce exploration cycle time by months |
| Geothermal exploration in environmentally sensitive areas | Small footprint, low visual impact. Containers blend with landscape; no permanent foundation required. | Obtain permits faster, reduce environmental disturbance |
Why Choose SJ Petro for Your Containerized Drilling Rig?
1. Complete System Integration – Not Just a Box of Parts
Many suppliers offer "containerized” drilling rigs that are simply standard modular rigs packed into ISO boxes. Our containerized rigs are designed from the ground up as integrated systems: the container dimensions drive the equipment layout, not the other way around. This means:
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No wasted space: every cubic meter of container volume is used efficiently.
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Structural integrity: containers are reinforced to support drilling loads without external framing.
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True plug‑and‑play: inter‑container connections are standardized across the product line.
2. Field‑Proven in the World's Most Remote Locations
SJ Petro (as part of Sinopec Group) has deployed containerized drilling systems in:
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Jungle operations in South America (heli‑transportable CT‑2500 rigs)
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Arctic Siberia (containerized low‑temp rigs for Rosneft)
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Offshore Southeast Asia (platform infill containerized drilling packages)
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High‑altitude Tibetan Plateau (geothermal exploration)
3. API‑Certified Quality – No Compromises
All containerized drilling rigs are designed and manufactured to API 4F, 7K, 8C and API Q1 standards. Full material traceability and weld maps are provided. Third‑party inspection (ABS, DNV, BV, SGS) is welcome at every stage.
4. Backed by Sinopec – Financial Strength & Global Logistics
As a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation, part of the Fortune Global 500 Sinopec Group, SJ Petro offers:
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Global shipping expertise: we can arrange door‑to‑door delivery of containerized rigs to any port or airstrip.
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Financially stability: warranty and long‑term support are guaranteed.
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Decades of operational data: Sinopec operates containerized rigs in its own remote fields.
5. Flexible Deployment – Own, Lease or Rent
We understand that remote exploration projects are often one‑off or short‑term. Containerized rigs are available through:
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Outright purchase: standard payment terms.
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Operating lease: 12‑60 months, maintenance included.
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Short‑term rental: 3‑12 months for specific campaigns.
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Fly‑in service contract: we provide rig and crew on a turnkey basis.
6. Full Training and Remote Support
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On‑site training: 2‑3 weeks covering container assembly, rig‑up procedures, and operation.
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24/7 remote diagnostics: our engineers can log into the control system (with your permission) from anywhere.
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Spare parts hubs: stocked with container‑specific components (quick connects, container corner casting pins, etc.).
FAQ – Containerized Drilling Rig
Q1: What exactly is a containerized drilling rig?
A: A containerized drilling rig is a complete drilling system—mast, drawworks, power module, mud pumps, BOP control, and driller's cabin—packaged into standard 20‑foot and 40‑foot ISO shipping containers. The containers serve as transport modules, protective enclosures, and often as the structural base of the rig. At the wellsite, they are arranged and interconnected to form a fully functional drilling rig. No separate skid units or loose components.
Q2: How deep can a containerized rig drill?
A: Our containerized rigs are available for depths up to 5,000 meters (CT‑5000 model). For depths beyond 5,000 m, we recommend our modular skid rigs (ZJ70 and ZJ90 series), as container weight and size constraints become impractical for air or road transport.
Q3: Can the rig be transported by helicopter?
A: Yes, for our CT‑1500 and CT‑2500 models, we offer a heli‑transportable version where each container module is limited to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) and sized to fit inside a Mi‑26 or CH‑47 cargo helicopter. The entire rig for 2,500 m depth can be moved in 10‑15 lifts.
Q4: How long does it take to assemble the rig on site?
A: With a crew of six, a CT‑3500 containerized rig typically assembles in 5‑7 days. This includes placing containers, pinning them together, connecting utilities, raising the mast, and commissioning. Heli‑transportable versions (smaller rigs) can be assembled in 3‑5 days.
Q5: Do I need a crane to erect the mast?
A: No. All containerized rigs are equipped with hydraulic cylinders integrated into the mast base container. The mast sections (stored in 40‑foot containers) are pinned together on the ground, then raised hydraulically. No external crane required.
Q6: Can the rig be used for cluster pad drilling (moving between wells)?
A: Yes. Our containerized rigs can be equipped with an optional walking or skidding system. The rig walks between wellheads without dismantling the mast or disconnecting containers—the entire assembly moves as a single unit. Inter‑well move time is typically 24‑48 hours.
Q7: What is the power source for the rig?
A: Standard configuration uses diesel‑electric AC VFD with containerized generator sets (2‑4 × 1,000 kVA). For locations with grid power, we offer a grid‑connected AC VFD version. For remote operations with natural gas availability, we can supply dual‑fuel or gas‑electric packages.
Q8: How do you handle the containerized BOP control unit?
A: The BOP control unit is packaged in its own container with the accumulator skid, control panel, and hydraulic fluid reservoir. Quick‑connect hoses (10‑20 meters long) connect the container to the BOP stack on the wellhead. The container can be placed up to 30 meters away for safety.
Q9: What is the typical lead time for a containerized drilling rig?
A: CT‑1500 / CT‑2500: 4‑6 months. CT‑3500 / CT‑5000: 6‑8 months. Offshore / arctic versions: 8‑10 months. Expedited delivery may be available for standard configurations.
Q10: Do you provide training for assembly and operation?
A: Yes. Every containerized rig purchase includes 2 weeks of on‑site training covering: container placement and pinning, utility connection, mast raising, rig operation and maintenance. We also provide detailed illustrated manuals and video tutorials.
