Aker acquires First Interactive

Aker Kvaerner has acquired a majority share in First Interactive, a Norwegian 3D drilling simulation and visualisation company, with an option to buy the remaining equity.

First Interactive is a company that specialises in 3D visualisation and simulation software for the oil and gas industry. It is headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, with a subsidiary in St Petersburg, Russia. In 2007, it saw revenues of more than £2.4m.

Aker Kvaerner MH has already started work with First Interactive on the development of applications, and they have launched a drilling simulator that enables realistic 3D visualisation and real-time scenario building that will be used mainly to train rig operators.

‘A realistic, real-time visualisation of the drilling operations will enable rig operators to make better and faster decisions. The result is more efficient drilling, and increased rig uptime. In addition this tool enables us to offer superior training facilities for our clients as well as our own employees,’ said Roald Amundsen, president of Aker Kvaerner MH.