27th February 2017
FKG Group service partner, the Obadare Group, has been awarded the American Petroleum Institute (API) 4F certification for its manufacturing facility in Toowoomba.
The API 4F certification comes as an Australian first, placing Obadare at the forefront of the industry, allowing drill rigs to be manufactured, refurbished, serviced and upgraded to the international 4F standard locally, saving operators considerable time and money.
Obadare’s Managing Director, Matt Warner, has said the Australian industry can expect a significant boost with the new certification, as rig operators will no longer need to fly in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representatives from overseas as they have in the past.
Eliminating the costs involved with flying in OEM representation and shipping rig packages from overseas, will not only be more cost effective for rig operators, but more time efficient, with up to a 30 percent reduction in shutdown, inspection and recertification times expected.
The Australian industry has a lot to gain from the certification, according to Mr. Warner, by generating employment opportunities and encouraging industry growth, with more economic benefits to remain in Australia. The future for Australia’s multibillion dollar oil and gas industry, could now see most rigs being manufactured and serviced in Australia.