Page 61: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jan/Feb 2026)

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SEADRILL ADOPTS IGUS’ MODULAR ENERGY CHAINS © Supplied by igus

Seadrill's West

Polaris drillship

SEADRILL ADOPTS IGUS’ MODULAR ENERGY

CHAINS TO CUT OFFSHORE DOWNTIME AND COSTS

A modular cable management system, designed by German-based supplier igus, has been implemented by ofshore driller Seadrill to reduce downtime, cut maintenance costs and improve operational reliability on its drillships by replacing traditional service loops with a more durable and fexible alternative.

By Cameron Dreyer, Oil & Gas Industry Manager, igus n offshore oil rigs, keeping equipment running

Ofshore Challenges for Traditional Service Loops smoothly and avoiding interruptions is essen-

Seadrill operates in one of the most challenging environ- tial, though hardly easy. The environment is ments, where equipment is constantly exposed to harsh con- unforgiving, prone to extreme weather, vibra-

O ditions, including vibration, impacts and extreme weather. tion and other harsh conditions that can damage compo-

Traditional service loops used in top drive systems often face nents and quickly spiral into costly downtime, increased issues like swinging cables, high strain and limited durability.

maintenance efforts and safety hazards.

In addition, the design of service loops creates a vulner-

These are the outcomes Seadrill, a major player in the ability. These assemblies, which consist of cables and hoses feld, wanted to avoid, according to igus, a manufacturer of bundled within a large outer hose, are secured by potting high-performance polymer products and energy supply sys- with epoxy at both ends. When individual cables fail or tems, which was engaged by Seadrill to provide a solution.

when the service loop catches on equipment, the entire

Seadrill was experiencing issues with the service loops service loop assembly must therefore be replaced, driving on its top drive system. The loops, which guide cables and costly downtime and maintenance efforts.

hoses in hanging applications, were prone to issues like

Seeking to address the limitations of traditional service snagging and strain-related damage, which would lead to loops, the igus e-loop combines the fexibility of a poly- costly replacements of entire assemblies.

mer energy chain with the strength of a high-performance

By switching to the igus e-loop technology, a modular en- composite rope.

ergy chain system, Seadrill saw signifcant improvements, in-

Fifteen times stronger than steel, this rope lies at the core cluding less downtime, easier maintenance and a reduction in of the e-loop design. It absorbs the tensile forces exerted on operational costs, according to a case study released by igus.

the cables, relieving them from strain and extending their

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 61