Offshore staff
LIMASSOL, Cyprus – Songa Offshore says the purpose-built semisubmersible CAT D-1 drilling rigSonga Equinox started its sea trial last week.
DSME built the rig in South Korea. This is a harsh environment, DP-3 semi commissioned by Statoil for year-round drilling, testing and intervention tasks offshore Norway. It can operate in water depths of up to 500 m (1,640 ft), but could be adapted in future for deepwater or Arctic operations following minor upgrades, Songa claims.
Prior to departure for the sea trial, the inclination test indicated a heavier than expected light unit weight. This will necessitate installation of sponsons and blisters similar to those already installed on theSonga Encourage and Songa Enabler.
DSME will perform the remedial work at its own cost, as the installation work will impact the delivery time by up to four weeks (using cofferdams).
Following agreement with Statoil, Songa says it will use the additional time at the yard to perform some of the work planned to take place in Norway on third-party equipment.
03/24/2015
