Geotechnical Drilling System Mobilisation – Shimonoseki, Japan

Client: Fugro Japan
Location: Mitsubishi Boat Yard, Shimonoseki, Japan
Scope: Electrical Control System Installation, Testing & Commissioning for Offshore Geotechnical Drilling Operations

MSB were appointed by Fugro Japan to mobilise and integrate a full geotechnical drilling control system onboard the RV Hakurei ahead of its offshore drilling campaign. This international project required the installation of a complete electrical control architecture, functional safety systems, and full operational testing to ensure the vessel met the stringent requirements of offshore geotechnical operations.

The mobilisation demonstrates MSB’s capability not only to deliver complex M&E and control system projects across the UK, but also to deploy specialist engineering teams worldwide when clients require high-quality, technically assured delivery.

System Installation & Integration
Working from the Mitsubishi Boat Yard in Shimonoseki, MSB carried out the complete installation and integration of all electrical and control components associated with the drilling spread.

Key elements of the works included:

Implementation of a Mitsubishi PLC platform, incorporating functional safety control to govern all drilling operations.
Deployment of advanced data-logging software to monitor drilling parameters, operational safety, and system performance in real time.
Installation of electrical supplies for the Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) to support critical drilling functions.
Installation and termination of all control cabling for the electro-hydraulic systems, ensuring reliable communication between drilling subsystems.
Complete system integration across the drilling package, delivering coordinated and safe operation under offshore conditions.

The technical integration demanded precise coordination, clear interface management, and a strong understanding of offshore drilling requirements — all core strengths of the MSB engineering team.

Testing, Commissioning & Operational Readiness
Following installation, MSB conducted full testing and commissioning procedures onboard the RV Hakurei. This included functional safety testing, hydraulic and electrical system verification, and operational simulations to confirm safe system behaviour.

The drilling control system was validated as fully operational and compliant, enabling the vessel to depart on schedule for its geotechnical drilling programme.

Installation of new absolute encoders on all VSD-driven motors, enabling accurate load-synchronised control and integration with upgraded safety braking systems.
Fitting of new twin-compartment trunking, improving cable separation, system layout, and long-term cable protection.
Relocation of the control panels indoors, moving critical control infrastructure away from harsh weather exposure to safeguard performance and extend equipment lifespan.
Installation of new cabling and encoder systems throughout the lift, improving system reliability and signal integrity.
Supply and installation of new local junction boxes for each winch assembly, providing safe access points for maintenance and fault diagnostics.

Project Delivery & Ongoing Support
The mobilisation was completed over a six-week period, delivered safely and efficiently in close coordination with Mitsubishi yard personnel and Fugro’s technical team. As part of MSB’s global support offering, our engineers will continue to provide operational assistance throughout the RV Hakurei’s campaign to ensure sustained performance and system reliability.

This project highlights MSB’s ability to deploy specialist engineering expertise wherever clients need it — from local UK sites to complex international environments.

Project Outcome
The RV Hakurei now operates with a fully integrated, modern electrical control system engineered to support demanding offshore geotechnical drilling activities. The upgraded system provides enhanced safety, improved operational control, and a resilient platform for Fugro Japan’s ongoing project requirements.

This successful mobilisation reinforces MSB’s reputation as a trusted partner for high-integrity M&E and control system projects across the UK and around the world.