TDI-Halter Builds First Super 116-C Jackup Rig

TDI-Halter, the Offshore Division of Halter Marine Group, Inc., recently completed the new construction of the first LeTourneau Super 116-C design jackup drilling rig for Perforadora Central, S.A. de C.V. The jackup was christened Tonala by Gabriela Alvarez-Morphy, wife of Patricio Alvarez-Morphy, president and CEO. Halter utilized its rig and marine shipyards for the construction of Tonala. The three 46 ft. diameter spudcans, built at the South Yard, and three 477 ft. long legs, fabricated at the Orange Yard, were built in Texas and transported by barge to the Pascagoula facility. The wingtank modules and accommodation block were built in Mississippi at Halter's Gulfport facility. The cantilever beams were fabricated by Superior Fabricators in Louisiana, and installed in Pascagoula. All other hull modules, heliport, drill floor, etc., were built and assembled at the Pascagoula facility in Mississippi. With a total workforce of 750 people, and a workforce of 300 people dedicated to the project, the Pascagoula facility was the site of the hull construction (243 x 206 x 26 ft.) and total integration of all systems. The hull of Tonala was built on conventional blocks, several hundred ft. from the shoreline. In February, the team launched the rig into Bayou Casotte. The rig was essentially complete at time of load-out, missing only the drill floor and the upper sections of the leg. With the rig along the shoreline, crews completed the installation of the legs, drill floor and derrick, followed by final outfitting, testing and commissioning. The rig provides the worldwide offshore drilling industry with a versatile tool for various environments. It is capable of both exploration and development drilling. Extended cantilever reach to 70 ft. makes it an excellent tool for drilling on fixed platforms. The jackup has a total steel weight of 7,370 short tons. Tonala is built to operate in 48 ft. waves and 70 knot winds in 350 ft. water depth, and can survive 56 ft. waves and 100 knot winds. The three-level quarters with accommodations for 94 persons and six-person hospital is complete with a dual galley, dual dining rooms and recreational facilities.