Ensign Energy Services

Ensign’s state-of-the-art technology suite is built for today’s drilling challenges, optimizing drilling performance, crew safety, equipment reliability and rig processes. Ensign Edge’s product line includes EDGE Controls, EDGE Analytics, EDGE RigOS and EDGE Applications. [7]

EDGE Controls

EDGE Controls is a sophisticated software package that works to alleviate downhole challenges, which includes Z-Torque (the newest version of Stick-Slip Mitigation) and Quill Oscillation. With these effects minimized, AutoDriller optimizes the rig’s control mode so drilling can follow the well plan as closely as possible.

EDGE Analytics

EDGE Analytics optimizes rig crew performance through measurement, goal setting and coaching based on customer objectives. Custom historical and real-time reports are created for customers to provide meaningful analysis and comparison for their organization.

EDGE RigOS

Advanced RigOS was designed and developed by Ensign. It’s the foundation for efficient and harmonized deployment of the EDGE suite of advanced drilling products.

EDGE Applications

A suite of proprietary applications designed by Ensign to optimize elements of overall well construction. [8]

In keeping with Ensign’s drive for improved operational and environment performance, in 2019 the company completed its successful test of a new “hybrid rig technology”, powered by natural gas generators and a BESS ("battery energy storage system"). The hybrid rig's performance confirmed numerous improvements, including between 15-25% less CO2, an 80% reduction in NOx emissions and a 90% reduction in particulate matter emissions when compared to an equivalent diesel rig. Other benefits include a 20% reduction in fuel cost, superior power transitioning and a significant reduction in maintenance requirements. [9]

Ensign’s industry-leading ADR® 1500S are more powerful and agile to drill long lateral sections in horizontal wells and execute rapid moves from pad to pad. The ADR®1500S walk on both X + Y axes, for the best mobility and flexibility of any rig on the market. Its advanced motion control lets customers shift between the X + Y axes in minutes, walking directly to their next well. [10]

Ensign’s ASR™ 150 is the industry’s most advanced service rig. It is a fully automated service rig, eliminating all manual manipulation of tubulars from the pipe rack to the make-up of a connection, reducing the number of personnel on the rig floor and making it safer, quicker and more efficient to move between wells. [11]

Ensign was founded in 1987 as Ensign Resource Service Group.[2] It listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 1993. In the second quarter of 2005, the company changed its name from Ensign Resource Service Group to its current name.

In 2011, the company was accused of option backdating[12]; it eventually reached a $4 million settlement.[13] In 2015–2016, it experienced significant losses of $104 million and $150 million; in the 2009 to 2016 period, it closed down 200 rigs.[14]

In August 2018, Ensign made a C$470 million hostile takeover offer for Trinidad Drilling.[15] On November 27, 2018, Ensign announced the successful acquisition of a total of 66.73 per cent of the outstanding common shares of Trinidad Drilling Ltd. ("Trinidad"), including the 9.82 per cent previously held by Ensign, which increased to 89.3 per cent by December 21, 2018. [16] The company reported a 72 per cent increase in revenue in its first full quarter since acquiring Trinidad Drilling Ltd. [17]

In 2019, the company was awarded significant new drilling contracts in the United States, Canada and the Middle East. [18]