Rolls-Royce the focus at US conference - 09-05-2008 - 10:33

The increasing range of energy sector products offered by Rolls-Royce was the focus of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston in the US this week.

Gas turbines which generate electrical power drilling rigs and production platforms, diesel engines for platform towing ships and rotating thrusters which use satellites to keep rigs in place were all on show at the city's Reliant Arena, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Demand for the British company's thrusters was said to be particularly high "amid a global boom" in construction for rigs which can drill to depths of up to two miles.

A spokesman for Transocean, the world's biggest offshore drilling contractor, said these products are "a critical component" which allows the company to work in deep water.

Trey LeBlanc, a sales manager for Rolls-Royce's offshore unit, said other drillers had placed orders for their thrusters and added "everything is going through the roof" with numerous contracts being signed.

Latest moves in the US follow the company announcing a solid start to the year, including sealing a £2 billion with US Airways to produce Trent 700 engines.

Rolls-Royce is said to have 38,000 people in engineering and construction jobs across its aerospace, marine and energy divisions.

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