Dubai: ADNOC Drilling has delivered and accepted the AD-300, its first fully automated artificial intelligence walking rig, nearly three months ahead of schedule, giving the company an earlier start to revenue generation under a six-rig offshore drilling program.
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The rig is the first of six next-generation island platforms placed under a $1.54 billion drilling services contract awarded by ADNOC Offshore in 2024-2025. The remaining equipment will be delivered by 2027, with the AD-301 already deployed.
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Standing 50 meters tall, almost as tall as a 15-story building, and weighing around 2,000 tons, the AD-300 is designed to operate on ADNOC’s artificial islands offshore Abu Dhabi. Its walkability allows the rig to be moved between well locations without being dismantled, reducing downtime and helping to speed up well deployment.
Faster offshore drilling
ADNOC Drilling said the platform brings together automation, artificial intelligence, digital systems and hybrid power capability, with an option to connect to the grid for more efficient and lower-emission operations.
The technology includes automated pipe handling and AI-enabled monitoring, which are designed to reduce personnel exposure in complex operating environments while improving operational safety and sustainability.
“The delivery of the AD-300 marks a step change in how we execute large-scale, technology-enabled energy development,” said Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi, CEO of ADNOC Drilling. “By integrating automation, artificial intelligence and robotics at scale, we are improving safety, improving efficiency and delivering more consistent and predictable performance.”
Six-device program
The early delivery gives ADNOC Drilling a head start on the island’s wider rig programme, which is expected to support growth in the second half of 2026 and into 2027 as rigs come on stream.
The company said the equipment will support ADNOC’s upstream growth plans and production capacity expansion, while real-time data systems will provide operational insights for performance monitoring and predictive maintenance.
“At a time when the world needs reliable energy at scale, the UAE stands ready to supply global customers,” said Tayba Abdulrahim Al Hashmi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore. “The AD-300 and our next-generation island platforms are accelerating our growth, expanding ADNOC’s production capacity and delivering long-term value to our stakeholders and the nation.”
Once all six rigs are delivered, ADNOC Drilling said the fleet will be among the most advanced island rig fleets globally, strengthening its role in ADNOC’s upstream expansion plans.
