The world’s largest and most advanced harsh environment jack-up rig ordered by MAERSK CONTRACTORS Copenhagen - A.P. Møller has ordered the world’s largest and most advanced harsh environment jack-up drilling rig from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Co., Ltd. in Korea.

MSC will deliver the full basic design package, including class-approved drawings, the fixation system and the hydraulic skidding systems of the new-patented cantilever system.

The new rig will represent a significant improvement from even the most recently delivered drilling rigs due to its size, efficiency and automation. Great emphasis has also been made on further improvements in the safety and the working environment on the new rig. The rig is designed for operation in harsh environments, such as the British and Norwegian parts of the North Sea and other areas in the world with similar weather conditions. The leg length of 205 metres will enable the rig to operate in these areas at water depths up to 150 metres. The highly efficient drilling equipment will make the rig well qualified for drilling deep and difficult wells. It is expected that the drilling efficiency will be 20 to 25% higher than that of similar drilling rigs. The drilling envelope as well as the variable load capacity will be increased to twice that of traditional units. As a new feature the jack-up will be able to drill subsea wells in addition to traditional surface completed wells. Furthermore, the rig will be equipped for zero discharge operation and be prepared for drill cuttings re-injection. Delivery is scheduled for the summer of 2002.

More Information:Maersk