Viking Completion Technology moves into gas storage

Dubai-based Viking Completion Technology, a leading supplier of well completion equipment and services, has completed a gas storage project in Germany and sees promising opportunities in this growing new energy sector

Viking’s in-house engineering team designed a bespoke 13-3/8” x 9-5/8” (11.600” OD) API 11D1 V0-R Cut to Release Packer suitable for 0-100C temperature range, to address the challenge of the large bore and low-temperature requirements of underground gas storage applications. The specialised packer was then delivered and installed in Germany, the first time the UAE-based team has delivered equipment to Europe’s utilities and energy market.

Viking is looking to build on this success by focusing on gas storage by engaging and supporting new customers in non-traditional energy markets. The company sees potential for a variety of similar projects in Germany, as well as parallel projects across Europe, Oceania, and Asia, aligning with evolving industry trends following an increased demand for suitably validated completion equipment for gas storage applications.

Viking managing director Willie Morrison commented, "As more businesses across the globe focus on energy security and balancing energy demands that vary with environmental conditions, this landscape will continue to expand. Viking is ideally placed to provide the level of excellence and flexibility that these applications and customers require."

Technical Support manager Simon Leiper added, "These projects bring their own unique considerations and challenges. In the past, end users for gas storage applications may have opted for a two-trip completion, utilising a permanent packer and anchor latch, with no validation. Our solution of an API 11D1 V0-R validated Cut to Release packer significantly levels up the specifications and improves operational efficiency, by removing a run, while giving the flexibility to retrieve the completion later.”