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Gulf Technical and Safety Training Centre (GTSC), a subsidiary of Al Mansoori Specialised Engineering, launched the Middle East’s first fully operational training well in March this year.
“The $1.5 million investment sees our 1700 ft well with seven-inch casing drilled and three-inch completion, complete with a 19 metre derrick and a 16 metre working platform. A 30 tonne hoisting device will enable completion strings to be run in and out the well ensuring the training disseminated is as accurate to real operations as possible,” explains Mario Nahas, GTSC general manager.
The well provides course participants with hands on experience in drilling, completion, well intervention and workover situations, enabling organisations to effectively train their staff to the highest standards.
“The initial take-up of the training well courses shows there is a great need for such programs in the region to develop nationals from green hand to any level as future for the nation,” says GTSC corporate general manager, Mario Nahas.
“We put a great deal of time and effort into developing our courses and well with the derrick to enhance the ability to deliver highest quality of training.” However, candidates for training from the major players have fallen short of initial expectations.
“Some of the major companies which originally approached us to build this facility, and which have been speaking very loudly about their ongoing commitment to training and safety despite the downturn, have not delivered the sort of throughput we were anticipating. We have also seen companies trying to push for unreasonable discounts because the oil price is down – this is unfortunate, and slightly unnecessary. Where the price is today, few people are poor!” says Nahas.
