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From Showcase to Site: Rig 37 Highlights the Power of a Skilled Workforce

Last week marked a significant moment for AWCC and Morpheus Energy Services as Rig 37 moved from community engagement to active well operations in just a matter of days. The company’s pre deployment training and subsequent Open Day brought together suppliers, families, and industry representatives, offering a rare opportunity to see the scale and professionalism behind a modern rig before it transitioned to the field. By the end of the week, Rig 37 had commenced work on its first well, with crews already delivering strong performance.

Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) attended the Rig 37 Open Day as guests of Morpheus, and while the advanced equipment and systems on display were impressive, the most important element was clear — the people. Modern drilling and well servicing operations rely on far more than engineering and logistics. They depend on personnel who understand well control, equipment systems, operational risk, and the discipline required to work safely in high-consequence environments.

The Open Day provided close-up exposure to the systems supporting Rig 37’s campaign, including snubbing simulation capability, advanced tank systems, and the rig’s Blowout Preventer (BOP) configuration. These are not simply pieces of hardware; they are critical components of well integrity and pressure control. Each system represents layers of protection that only function effectively when crews understand how they operate, their limitations, and their role in maintaining safe well conditions.

For AWCC, the event reinforced the direct link between structured training and field performance. Several personnel on site have progressed through AWCC programs, and seeing trained workers operating within live environments demonstrates how competency-based training translates into operational readiness. Today’s rigs operate with advanced technology, tighter procedures, and increased accountability. Workforce preparation must match that reality, ensuring individuals step onto site with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence to work within complex safety systems from day one.

Engagement between operators, service companies, and training organisations is a vital part of maintaining industry standards. Opportunities to observe current equipment, processes, and operational setups allow training providers to ensure programs remain aligned with real-world demands. This alignment strengthens the entire workforce pipeline, from entry-level personnel through to experienced crews working on high-performance assets.

Morpheus Energy Services’ Rig 37 launch demonstrates what the sector can achieve when planning, technology, and skilled people come together. As the rig begins its campaign, it also serves as a reminder that safe and efficient well operations start long before the first well is spudded — they begin with preparation, training, and a shared commitment to professional standards across the energy industry.

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