Repsol Sinopec has opted to use Aker Solutions’ managed pressure drilling (MPD) systems and riser gas handling services for an ultra-deepwater operation offshore Brazil.

The Norwegian contractor’s subsidiary Managed Pressure Operations will deliver the MPD systems and services to the Spanish- Chinese joint venture, although the value of the order was not revealed. The 3-year contract for the work in the Campos Basin comes with an option for an additional two years of services.

“This contract will demonstrate the unique capabilities of our riser gas handling safety system and introduce the first deepwater application of our riser drilling device into an offshore MPD system below the tensioner on a rig,” said Charles Orbell, head of Managed Pressured Operations (MPO), which is part of Aker’s drilling technologies business.

The riser gas handling system helps control wellbore fluids during drilling. It detects an influx of gas into the drilling riser and diverts the gas to prevent a blowout.

Aker only bought Managed Pressure Operations International in February this year.