Semco Maritime to Upgrade Odfjell Rig

Odfjell Drilling and Semco Maritime signed a contract for preparation and modification of Deepsea Stavanger rig prior to its start of a nine-month drilling campaign for Total in the harsh waters outside South Africa.

The semi-submersible rig will complete a high docking (with thrusters on) in Semco Maritime’s rig yard at Hanøytangen, Bergen, in Q1 2020, said the  oil drilling, well service, and engineering company.

"The high docking enables for a minimized diving operation during antifouling of the hull and optimization of the time spent on seawater valve change,” said Managing Director of Semco Maritime Norway, Lars Jønholt Halvorsen. The method furthermore enables for other measures to optimize the hydrodynamics of the hull as the transit and planned drilling operation would benefit from this modification. These measures will reduce the carbon footprint of the rig when in operation.

“During the risk-out phase, we have enjoyed excellent cooperation with the Odfjell Drilling team with a shared focus on how to perform a high docking on one of the largest floating drilling units in the world. We have worked to ensure quality in all aspects of the project while putting safety first at all times. We look forward to continuing the team-work and delivering a well-planned and safe project,” says Lars Jønholt Halvorsen.

Deepsea Stavanger is custom-built for operations in harsh environment areas and among the most advanced semi-submersible rigs in the world. The heavy double-derrick unit was built in 2010 and designed for operations at water depths of up to 3,000 meters. The scope of the project includes upgrading of the rig’s hull and mooring system as well as installation of purpose-built equipment for operations in the tough environment off the South African coast.